Compounds effecting glucokinase

ABSTRACT

The invention relates to the use of a compound of Formula (I) or a salt, solvate or prodrug thereof, wherein R 1 , R 2 , R 3 , n and m are as described in the specification, in the preparation of a medicament for the treatment or prevention of a disease condition mediated through glucokinase (GLK), such as type 2 diabetes.  
                 
The invention also relates to a novel group of compounds of Formula (I) and to methods for preparing compounds of Formula (I).

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a national stage filing under 35 U.S.C. 371 of International Application No. PCT/GB02/03745, filed Aug. 15, 2002, which claims priority from United Kingdom Patent Application No. 0102764-8, filed Aug. 17, 2001, the specification of which is incorporated by reference herein. International Application No. PCT/GB02/03745 was published under PCT Article 21(2) in English.

The present invention relates to the use of a group of benzamide compounds in the preparation of a medicament for use in the treatment or prevention of a disease or medical condition mediated through glucokinase (GLK), leading to a decreased glucose threshold for insulin secretion. In addition the compounds are predicted to lower blood glucose by increasing hepatic glucose uptake. Such compounds may have utility in the treatment of Type 2 diabetes and obesity. The invention also relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising said benzamide compound, a sub-group of novel compounds of said benzamide compounds, and the use of such a compound in the conditions described above.

In the pancreatic β-cell and liver parenchymal cells the main plasma membrane glucose transporter is GLUT2. Under physiological glucose concentrations the rate at which GLUT2 transports glucose across the membrane is not rate limiting to the overall rate of glucose uptake in these cells. The rate of glucose uptake is limited by the rate of phosphorylation of glucose to glucose-6-phosphate (G-6-P) which is catalysed by glucokinase (GLK) [1]. GLK has a high (6-10 mM) Km for glucose and is not inhibited by physiological concentrations of G-6-P [1]. GLK expression is limited to a few tissues and cell types, most notably pancreatic β-cells and liver cells (hepatocytes) [1]. In these cells GLK activity is rate limiting for glucose utilisation and therefore regulates the extent of glucose induced insulin secretion and hepatic glycogen synthesis. These processes are critical in the maintenance of whole body glucose homeostasis and both are dysfunctional in diabetes [2].

In one sub-type of diabetes, Type 2 maturity-onset diabetes of the young (MODY-2), the diabetes is caused by GLK loss of function mutations [3, 4]. Hyperglycaemia in MODY-2 patients results from defective glucose utilisation in both the pancreas and liver [5]. Defective glucose utilisation in the pancreas of MODY-2 patients results in a raised threshold for glucose stimulated insulin secretion. Conversely, rare activating mutations of GLK reduce this threshold resulting in familial hyperinsulinism [6, 7]. In addition to the reduced GLK activity observed in MODY-2 diabetics, hepatic glucokinase activity is also decreased in type 2 diabetics [8]. Importantly, global or liver selective overexpression of GLK prevents or reverses the development of the diabetic phenotype in both dietary and genetic models of the disease [9-12]. Moreover, acute treatment of type 2 diabetics with fructose improves glucose tolerance through stimulation of hepatic glucose utilisation [13]. This effect is believed to be mediated through a fructose induced increase in cytosolic GLK activity in the hepatocyte by the mechanism described below [13].

Hepatic GLK activity is inhibited through association with GLK regulatory protein (GLKRP). The GLK/GLKRP complex is stabilised by fructose-6-phosphate (F6P) binding to the GLKRP and destabilised by displacement of this sugar phosphate by fructose-1-phosphate (F1P). F1P is generated by fructokinase mediated phosphorylation of dietary fructose. Consequently, GLK/GLKRP complex integrity and hepatic GLK activity is regulated in a nutritionally dependent manner as F6P is elevated in the post-absorptive state whereas F1P predominates in the post-prandial state. In contrast to the hepatocyte, the pancreatic β-cell expresses GLK in the absence of GLKRP. Therefore, β-cell GLK activity is regulated exclusively by the availability of its substrate, glucose. Small molecules may activate GLK either directly or through destabilising the GLK/GLKRP complex. The former class of compounds are predicted to stimulate glucose utilisation in both the liver and the pancreas whereas the latter are predicted to act exclusively in the liver. However, compounds with either profile are predicted to be of therapeutic benefit in treating Type 2 diabetes as this disease is characterised by defective glucose utilisation in both tissues.

GLK and GLKRP and the K_(ATP) channel are expressed in neurones of the hypothalamus, a region of the brain that is important in the regulation of energy balance and the control of food intake [14-18]. These neurones have been shown to express orectic and anorectic neuropeptides [15, 19, 20] and have been assumed to be the glucose-sensing neurones within the hypothalamus that are either inhibited or excited by changes in ambient glucose concentrations [17, 19, 21, 22]. The ability of these neurones to sense changes in glucose levels is defective in a variety of genetic and experimentally induced models of obesity [23-28]. Intracerebroventricular (icv) infusion of glucose analogues, that are competitive inhibitors of glucokinase, stimulate food intake in lean rats [29, 30]. In contrast, icv infusion of glucose suppresses feeding [31]. Thus, small molecule activators of GLK may decrease food intake and weight gain through central effects on GLK. Therefore, GLK activators may be of therapeutic use in treating eating disorders, including obesity, in addition to diabetes. The hypothalamic effects will be additive or synergistic to the effects of the same compounds acting in the liver and/or pancreas in normalising glucose homeostasis, for the treatment of Type 2 diabetes. Thus the GLK/GLKRP system can be described as a potential “Diabesity” target (of benefit in both Diabetes and Obesity).

In WO0058293 and WO01/44216 (Roche), a series of benzylcarbamoyl compounds are described as glucokinase activators. The mechanism by which such compounds activate GLK is assessed by measuring the direct effect of such compounds in an assay in which GLK activity is linked to NADH production, which in turn is measured optically—see details of the in vitro assay described in Example A. Compounds of the present invention may activate GLK directly or may activate GLK by inhibiting the interaction of GLKRP with GLK. The latter mechanism offers an important advantage over direct activators of GLK in that they will not cause the severe hypoglycaemic episodes predicted after direct stimulation. Many compounds of the present invention may show favourable selectivity compared to known GLK activators.

WO9622282, WO9622293, WO9622294, WO9622295, WO9749707 and WO9749708 disclose a number of intermediates used in the preparation of compounds useful as vasopressin agents which are structurally similar to those disclosed in the present invention. Structurally similar compounds are also disclosed in WO9641795 and JP8143565 (vasopressin antagonism), in JP8301760 (skin damage prevention) and in EP619116 (osetopathy).

WO01/12621 describes the preparation of as isoxazolylpyrimidines and related compounds as inhibitors of cJUN N-terminal kinases, and pharmaceutical compositions containing such compounds.

Cushman et al [Bioorg Med Chem Lett (1991) 1(4), 211-14] describe the synthesis of pyridine-containing stilbenes and amides and their evaluation as protein-tyrosine kinase inhibitors. Rogers et al [J Med Chem (1981) 24(11) 1284-7] describe mesoionic purinone analogs as inhibitors of cyclic-AMP phosphodiesterase.

WO00/26202 describes the preparation of 2-amino-thiazole derivatives as antitumour agents. GB 2331748 describes the preparation of insecticidal thiazole derivatives. WO96/36619 describes the preparation of aminothiazole derivatives as ameliorating agents for digestive tract movements. U.S. Pat. No. 5,466,715 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,258,407 describe the preparation of 3,4-disubstituted phenol immunostimulants. JP 58069812 describes hypoglycemic pharmaceuticals containing benzamide derivatives. U.S. Pat. No. 3,950,351 describes 2-benzamido-5-nitrothiazoles and Cavier et al [Eur J Med Chem—Chim Ther (1978) 13(6), 539-43] discuss the biological interest of these compounds.

We present as a feature of the invention the use of a compound of Formula (I) or a salt, solvate or pro-drug thereof, in the preparation of a medicament for use in the treatment or prevention of a disease or medical condition mediated through GLK:

wherein

-   -   m is 0, 1 or 2;     -   n is 0, 1, 2, 3 or 4;     -   and n+m>0;     -   each R¹ is independently selected from OH, —(CH₂)₁₋₄OH,         —CH_(3-a)F_(a), —(CH₂)₁₋₄CH_(3-a)F_(a), —OCH_(3-a)F_(a), halo,         C₁₋₆alkyl, C₂₋₆alkenyl, C₂₋₆alkynyl, NH₂, —NH—C₁₋₄alkyl,         —N-di-(C₁₋₄alkyl), CN, formyl, phenyl or heterocyclyl optionally         substituted by C₁₋₆alkyl;     -   each R² is the group Y—X—         -   wherein each X is a linker independently selected from:             -   —O-Z-, —O-Z-O-Z-, —C(O)O-Z-, —OC(O)-Z-, —S-Z-, —SO-Z-,                 —SO₂-Z-, —N(R⁶)-Z-, —N(R⁶)SO₂-Z-, —SO₂N(R⁶)-Z-,                 —CH═CH-Z-, —C≡C-Z-, —N(R⁶)CO-Z-, —CON(R⁶)-Z-,                 —C(O)N(R⁶)S(O)₂-Z-, —S(O)₂N(R⁶)C(O)-Z-, —C(O)-Z-, -Z-,                 —C(O)-Z-O-Z-, —N(R⁶)—C(O)-Z-O-Z-, —O-Z-N(R⁶)-Z-,                 —O—C(O)-Z-O-Z- or a direct bond;         -   each Z is independently a direct bond, C₂₋₆alkenylene or a             group of the formula —(CH₂)_(p)—C(R^(6a))₂—(CH₂)_(q)—;         -   each Y is independently selected from aryl-Z¹-,             heterocyclyl-Z¹-, C₃₋₇cycloalkyl-Z¹-, C₁₋₆alkyl,             C₂₋₆alkenyl, C₂₋₆alkynyl, —(CH₂)₁₋₄CH_(3-a)F_(a) or             —CH(OH)CH_(3-a)F_(a); wherein each Y is independently             optionally substituted by up to 3 R⁴ groups;             -   each R⁴ is independently selected from halo,                 —CH_(3-a)F_(a), CN, NH₂, C₁₋₆alkyl, —OC₁₋₆alkyl, —COOH,                 —C(O)OC₁₋₆alkyl, OH or phenyl optionally substituted by                 C₁₋₆alkyl or —C(O)OC₁₋₆alkyl,                 -   or R⁵—X¹—, where X¹ is independently as defined in X                     above and R⁵ is selected from hydrogen, C₁₋₆alkyl,                     —CH_(3-a)F_(a), phenyl, naphthyl, heterocyclyl or                     C₃₋₇cycloalkyl; and R⁵ is optionally substituted by                     one or more substituents independently selected                     from: halo, C₁₋₆alkyl, —OC₁₋₆alkyl, —CH_(3-a)F_(a),                     CN, OH, NH₂, COOH, or —C(O)OC₁₋₆alkyl,                 -   each Z¹ is independently a direct bond,                     C₂₋₆alkenylene or a group of the formula                     —(CH₂)_(p)—C(R^(6a))₂—(CH₂)_(q)—;     -   R³ is selected from phenyl or a heterocyclyl, and R³ is         optionally substituted by one or more R⁷ groups;     -   R⁶ is independently selected from hydrogen, C₁₋₆alkyl or         —C₂₋₄alkyl-O—C₁₋₄alkyl;     -   R^(6a) is independently selected from hydrogen, halo, C₁₋₆alkyl         or     -   —C₂₋₄alkyl-O—C₁₋₄alkyl;     -   each R⁷ is independently selected from:         -   C₁₋₆alkyl, C₂₋₆alkenyl, C₂₋₆alkynyl, (CH₂)₀₋₃aryl,             (CH₂)₀₋₃heterocyclyl, (CH₂)₀₋₃C₃₋₇cycloalkyl, OH,             C₁₋₆alkyl-OH, halo, C₁₋₆alkyl-halo, OC₁₋₆alkyl,             (CH₂)₀₋₃S(O)₀₋₂R⁸, SH, SO₃, thioxo, NH₂, CN,             (CH₂)₀₋₃NHSO₂R⁸, (CH₂)₀₋₃COOH, (CH₂)₀₋₃—O—(CH₂)₀₋₃R⁸,             (CH₂)₀₋₃C(O)(CH₂)₀₋₃R⁸, (CH₂)₀₋₃C(O)OR⁸, (CH₂)₀₋₃C(O)NH₂,             (CH₂)₀₋₃C(O)NH(CH₂)₀₋₃R⁸, (CH₂)₀₋₃NH(CH₂)₀₋₃R⁸,             (CH₂)₀₋₃NHC(O)(CH₂)₀₋₃R⁸;         -   (CH₂)₀₋₃C(O)NHSO₂—R⁸ and (CH₂)₀₋₃SO₂NHC(O)—R⁸ wherein an             alkyl chain, cycloalkyl ring or heterocyclyl ring within R⁷             is optionally substituted by one of more substituents             independently selected from: C₁₋₄alkyl, OH, halo, CN, NH₂,             N—C₁₋₄alkylamino, N,N-di-C₁₋₄alkylamino and OC₁₋₄alkyl;     -   R⁸ is selected from hydrogen, C₁₋₆alkyl, aryl, heterocyclyl,         C₃₋₇cycloalkyl, OH, C₁₋₆alkyl-OH, COOH, C(O)OC₁₋₆alkyl,         N(R⁶)C₁₋₆ alkyl, OC₁₋₆ alkyl, C₀₋₆alkylOC(O)C₁₋₆alkyl,         C(OH)(C₁₋₆alkyl)C₁₋₆alkyl; wherein an alkyl chain or aryl,         heterocyclyl or cycloalkyl ring within R⁸ is optionally         substituted by one of more substituents independently selected         from: C₁₋₄alkyl, OH, halo, CN, NH₂, —NH—C₁₋₄alkyl,         —N-di-(C₁₋₄alkyl) and OC₁₋₄alkyl;     -   each a is independently 1, 2 or 3;     -   p is an integer between 0 and 3;     -   q is an integer between 0 and 3;     -   and p+q<4.         provided that when R³ is 2-pyridyl and X is other than -Z-,         —C(O)-Z-O-Z-, —N((R⁶)—C(O)-Z-O-Z- or —O-Z-N(R⁶)-Z-, then R³         cannot be mono-substituted at the 5-position with an R⁷ group         selected from COOH or C(O)OC₁₋₆alkyl.

For the avoidance of doubt the numbering in the above proviso is relative to the amide bond attached to the pyridine ring, thus R³ in the proviso relates to a group of the following structure:

wherein

represents the point of attachment to the amide group in Formula (I).

According to a further feature of the invention there is provided the use of a compound of Formula (Ia) or a salt thereof, in the preparation of a medicament for use in the treatment or prevention of a disease or medical condition mediated through GLK:

wherein

-   -   m is 0, 1 or 2;     -   n is 0, 1, 2, 3 or 4;     -   and n+m>0;     -   each R¹ is independently selected from OH, (CH₂)₁₋₄OH,         CH_(3-a)F_(a), (CH₂)₁₋₄CH_(3-a)F_(a), OCH_(3-a)F_(a), halo, C₁₋₆         alkyl, C₂₋₆alkenyl, C₂₋₆alkynyl, NH₂,         -   N(C₁₋₆alkyl)C₁₋₆alkyl, CN, phenyl or a heterocyclyl             optionally substituted by C₁₋₆alkyl;     -   each R² is the group Y—X—         -   wherein each X is a linker independently selected from             -   —O(CH₂)₀₋₃—, —(CH₂)₀₋₃O—, —C(O)O(CH₂)₀₋₃—, —S(CH₂)₀₋₃—,                 —SO(CH₂)₀₋₃—, —SO₂(CH₂)₀₋₃—, —NHSO₂, —SO₂NH—,                 —N(CH₂)₀₋₃—, —N(CH₂)₁₋₃O(CH₂)₀₋₃, —(CH₂)₁₋₄—,                 —CH═CH(CH₂)₀₋₂—, —C≡C(CH₂)₀₋₂—, —NHCO—, —CONH—;         -   each Y is independently selected from phenyl(CH₂)₀₋₂,             naphthyl(CH₂)₀₋₂, heterocyclyl(CH₂)₀₋₂, C₃₋₇             cycloalkyl(CH₂)₀₋₂, C₁₋₆ alkyl, OC₁₋₆alkyl, C₂₋₆alkenyl,             C₂₋₆alkynyl, or CH(OH)CH_(3-a)F_(a);             -   each Y is independently optionally substituted by one or                 more R⁴ groups;             -   each R⁴ is independently selected from halo,                 CH_(3-a)F_(a), OCH_(3-a)F_(a), CN, NH₂, C₁₋₆alkyl,                 OC₁₋₆alkyl, COOH, (CH₂)₀₋₃COOH, O(CH₂)₀₋₃COOH,                 C(O)OC₁₋₆alkyl, C₁₋₆alkylC(O)OC₁₋₆alkyl, CO-phenyl,                 CONH₂, CONH-phenyl, SO₂NH₂, SO₂C₁₋₆alkyl, OH, or phenyl                 optionally substituted by one or more R⁵ groups, or                 R^(6b)—X—;                 -   R⁵ is selected from hydrogen, C₁₋₆alkyl or                     C(O)OC₁₋₆alkyl,                 -   R^(6b) is selected from hydrogen, C₁₋₆alkyl,                     CH_(3-a)F_(a) phenyl, naphthyl, heterocyclyl or                     C₃₋₇cycloalkyl; and R^(6b) is optionally substituted                     by halo, C₁₋₆alkyl, CH_(3-a)F_(a), CN, NH₂, COOH and                     COOC₁₋₆alkyl;     -   each a is independently 1, 2 or 3;     -   R³ is selected from phenyl or a heterocyclyl, and R³ is         optionally substituted by one or more R⁷ groups;     -   each R⁷ is independently selected from:         -   C₁₋₆alkyl, C₂₋₆alkenyl, C₂₋₆alkynyl, heterocyclyl,             (CH₂)₀₋₃C₃₋₇cycloalkyl, OH, C₁₋₆alkyl-OH, halo,             C₁₋₆alkyl-halo, OC₁₋₆alkyl, SC₁₋₆alkyl, SH, SO₃, NH₂, CN,             NHCHO, NSO₂C₁₋₆alkyl, (CH₂)₀₋₃COOH, (CH₂)₀₋₃C(O)OC₁₋₆alkyl,             (CH₂)₀₋₃CONH₂, (CH₂)₀₋₃CON(CH₂)₀₋₃R⁸, (CH₂)₀₋₃NH(CH₂)₀₋₃R⁸,             (CH₂)₀₋₃NHC(O)(CH₂)₀₋₃R⁸;     -   R⁸ is selected from hydrogen, C₁₋₆alkyl, C₃₋₇cycloalkyl, OH,         C₁₋₆alkyl-OH, COOH, C(O)OC₁₋₆alkyl, N(C₀₋₆alkyl)C₁₋₆ alkyl,         O(C₀₋₆ alkyl)C₁₋₆alkyl, C₀₋₆alkylOC(O)C₁₋₆alkyl,         C(OH)(C₁₋₆alkyl)C₁₋₆alkyl;         provided that when R³ is pyridine, then R⁷ is other than COOH or         COOC₁₋₆alkyl.

According to a further feature of the invention there is provided a compound of Formula (Ib) or a salt, solvate or pro-drug thereof;

wherein

-   -   m is 0, 1 or 2;     -   n is 1, 2 or 3;     -   and n+m is 2 or 3;     -   each R¹ is independently selected from OH, —(CH₂)₁₋₄OH,         —CH_(3-a)F_(a), —(CH₂)₁₋₄CH_(3-a)F_(a), —OCH_(3-a)F_(a), halo,         OCH₃, C₂H₅O, CH₃C(O)O—, C₁₋₆alkyl, C₂₋₆alkenyl, C₂₋₆alkynyl,         —NH—C₁₋₄alkyl, —N-di-(C₁₋₄alkyl), CN, formyl, phenyl or         heterocyclyl optionally substituted by C₁₋₆alkyl;     -   each R² is the group Y—X—         -   with the proviso that Y—X— cannot be CH₃O, C₂H₅O or             CH₃C(O)O—;         -   wherein each X is a linker independently selected from:             -   —O-Z-, —O-Z-O-Z-, —C(O)O-Z-, —OC(O)-Z-, —S-Z-, —SO-Z-,                 —SO₂-Z-, —N(R⁶)-Z-, —N(R⁶)SO₂-Z-, —SO₂N(R⁶)-Z-,                 —CH═CH-Z-, —C≡C-Z-, —N(R⁶)CO-Z-, —CON(R⁶)-Z-,                 —C(O)N(R⁶)S(O)₂-Z-, —S(O)₂N(R⁶)C(O)-Z-, —C(O)-Z-, -Z-,                 —C(O)-Z-O-Z-, —N(R⁶)—C(O)-Z-O-Z-, —O-Z-N(R⁶)-Z-,                 —O—C(O)-Z-O-Z- or a direct bond except where Z is                 C₁₋₆alkyl;         -   each Z is independently a direct bond, C₂₋₆alkenylene or a             group of the formula —(CH₂)_(p)—C(R^(6a))₂—(CH₂)_(q)—;         -   each Y is independently selected from aryl-Z¹-,             heterocyclyl-Z¹-,             -   C₃₋₇cycloalkyl-Z¹-, C₁₋₆alkyl, C₂₋₆alkenyl, C₂₋₆alkynyl,                 —(CH₂)₁₋₄CH_(3-a)F_(a) or             -   —CH(OH)CH_(3-a)F_(a); wherein each Y is independently                 optionally substituted by up to 3 R⁴ groups;             -   each R⁴ is independently selected from halo,                 —CH_(3-a)F_(a), CN, NH₂, C₁₋₄alkyl, —OC₁₋₆alkyl, —COOH,                 —C(O)OC₁₋₆alkyl, OH or phenyl optionally substituted by                 C₁₋₆alkyl or —C(O)OC₁₋₆alkyl,                 -   or R⁵—X¹—, where X¹ is independently as defined in X                     above and R⁵ is selected from hydrogen, C₁₋₆alkyl,                     —CH_(3-a)F_(a), phenyl, naphthyl, heterocyclyl or                     C₃₋₇cycloalkyl; and R⁵ is optionally substituted by                     one or more substituents independently selected                     from: halo, C₁₋₆alkyl, —OC₁₋₆alkyl, —CH_(3-a)F_(a),                     CN, OH, NH₂, COOH, or —C(O)OC₁₋₆alkyl,                 -   each Z¹ is independently a direct bond,                     C₂₋₆alkenylene or a group of the formula                     —(CH₂)_(p)—C(R^(6a))₂—(CH₂)_(q)—;     -   R³ is heterocyclyl, wherein the atom at the two position of the         heterocyclyl ring relative to the amide group, to which R³ is         attached, is a heteroatom and when the atom at the two position         of the heterocyclyl ring relative to the amide group is         nitrogen, this is an sp² hybridised nitrogen, and R³ is         optionally substituted by up to 2 R⁷ groups;     -   R⁶ is independently selected from hydrogen, C₁₋₆alkyl or         —C₂₋₄alkyl-O—C₁₋₄alkyl;     -   R^(6a) is independently selected from hydrogen, halo, C₁₋₆alkyl         or     -   —C₂₋₄alkyl-O—C₁₋₄alkyl;     -   each R⁷ is independently selected from:         -   C₁₋₆alkyl, C₂₋₆alkenyl, C₂₋₆alkynyl, (CH₂)₀₋₃aryl,             (CH₂)₀₋₃heterocyclyl, (CH₂)₀₋₃C₃₋₇cycloalkyl, OH,             C₁₋₆alkyl-OH, halo, C₁₋₆alkyl-halo, OC₁₋₆alkyl,             (CH₂)₀₋₃S(O)₀₋₂R⁸, SH, SO₃, thioxo, NH₂, CN,             (CH₂)₀₋₃NHSO₂R⁸, (CH₂)₀₋₃COOH, (CH₂)₀₋₃—O—(CH₂)₀₋₃R⁸,             (CH₂)₀₋₃C(O)(CH₂)₀₋₃R⁸, (CH₂)₀₋₃C(O)OR⁸, (CH₂)₀₋₃C(O)NH₂,             (CH₂)₀₋₃C(O)NH(CH₂)₀₋₃R⁸, (CH₂)₀₋₃NH(CH₂)₀₋₃R⁸,             (CH₂)₀₋₃NHC(O)(CH₂)₀₋₃R⁸;         -   (CH₂)₀₋₃C(O)NHSO₂—R⁸ and (CH₂)₀₋₃SO₂NHC(O)—R⁸ wherein an             alkyl chain, cycloalkyl ring or heterocyclyl ring within R⁷             is optionally substituted by one of more substituents             independently selected from: C₁₋₄alkyl, OH, halo, CN, NH₂,             N—C₁₋₄alkylamino, N,N-di-C₁₋₄alkylamino and OC₁₋₄alkyl;     -   R⁸ is selected from hydrogen, C₁₋₆alkyl, aryl, heterocyclyl,         C₃₋₇cycloalkyl, OH, C₁₋₆alkyl-OH, COOH, C(O)OC₁₋₆alkyl,         N(R⁶)C₁₋₆alkyl, OC₁₋₆alkyl, C₀₋₆alkylOC(O)C₁₋₆alkyl,         C(OH)(C₁₋₆alkyl)C₁₋₆alkyl; wherein an alkyl chain or aryl,         heterocyclyl or cycloalkyl ring within R⁸ is optionally         substituted by one of more substituents independently selected         from:         -   C₁₋₄alkyl, OH, halo, CN, NH₂, —NH—C₁₋₄alkyl,             —N-di-(C₁₋₄alkyl) and OC₁₋₄alkyl;     -   each a is independently 1, 2 or 3;     -   p is an integer between 0 and 3;     -   q is an integer between 0 and 3;     -   and p+q<4.         provided that     -   (i) when R³ is 2-pyridyl and X is other than -Z-, —C(O)-Z-O-Z-,         —N((R⁶)—C(O)-Z-O-Z- or —O-Z-N(R⁶)-Z-, then R³ cannot be         mono-substituted at the 5-position with an R⁷ group selected         from COOH or C(O)OC₁₋₆alkyl;     -   (ii) positions 3,5 on the phenyl ring (to which R¹ and R² are         attached) relative to the amide bond are substituted and at         least one of the groups at position 3 and 5 is an R² group;     -   (iii) an unbranched, unsubstituted C₁₋₆alkyl chain cannot exceed         C₆alkyl in length;     -   (iv) when n is 2 or 3 then only one X group can be —NHC(O)—;     -   (v) when R³ is pyridyl and R⁷ is halo or methyl then the phenyl         ring to which R² is attached cannot be substituted by an R²         group at the 2-position relative to the amide bond wherein X is         —C(O)NH— and Y is optionally substituted phenyl, optionally         substituted thienyl or optionally substituted pyridyl;     -   (vi) when n+m is 2, m is 0 or m is 1 and R¹ is OH, n is 1 and X         is —NHC(O)— or n is 2 and X is independently selected from         —C(O)NH—, —NHC(O)—, —O—, —S(O₂)NH— or a direct bond wherein one         X group is —NHC(O)—, Y is selected from phenyl, cyclohexyl,         4,5-dihydro-5-oxo-pyrazolyl, thienyl,         1,3-dihydro-1,3-dioxo-isoindolinyl, 2-oxo-1-benzopyran or         pyridyl and Y is optionally substituted by R⁴ then R³ cannot be         unsubstituted thiazole, 4,5-dihydro-5-oxo-pyrazolyl substituted         by trichlorophenyl, 4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-benzo[b]thiophene         substituted by ethoxycarbonyl or pyridyl optionally         independently mono or di-substituted by methyl, ethoxy or         propylcarbonylamino; and     -   (vii) when n+m is 3, m is 0 or 2, R¹ is independently selected         from methyl, methoxy or hydroxy, n is 1, 2 or 3, X is         independently selected from —O—, —S(O₂)NH—, —C(O)—, —S(O₂)—,         —CH₂— or a direct bond, Y is selected from pyrrolidinyl,         morpholino, phenyl, tetrazolyl or propyl wherein Y is optionally         substituted by R⁴ and R⁴ is selected from di-hydroxy, methoxy,         C₁₋₄alkyl then R³ cannot be unsubstituted tetrazolyl,         unsubstituted thiazolyl or thiazolyl substituted by         ethoxycarbonylmethyl.

For the avoidance of doubt C₆alkyl is —CH₂—CH₂—CH₂—CH₂—CH₂-CH₃.

For the avoidance of doubt examples of R³ wherein R³ is heterocyclyl and the atom at the two position of the R³ heterocyclyl ring, relative to the amide group to which R³ is attached, is an sp² hybridised nitrogen include:

wherein

represents the point of attachment to the amide group.

According to a further feature of the invention there is provided a compound of Formula (Ic) or a salt thereof,

wherein

-   -   m is 0, 1 or 2;     -   n is 0, 1, 2, 3 or 4;     -   and n+m>0;     -   each R¹ is independently selected from OH, (CH₂)₁₋₄OH,         CH_(3-a)F_(a), (CH₂)₁₋₄CH_(3-a)F_(a), OCH_(3-a)F_(a), halo, C₁₋₆         alkyl, C₂₋₆alkenyl, C₂₋₆alkynyl, NH₂, N(C₁₋₆alkyl)_(C2-6)alkyl,         CN, phenyl or a heterocyclyl optionally substituted by         C₁₋₆alkyl;     -   each R² is the group Y—X—         -   wherein each X is a linker independently selected from             -   —O(CH₂)₀₋₃—, —(CH₂)₀₋₃O—, —C(O)O(CH₂)₀₋₃—, —S(CH₂)₀₋₃—,                 —SO(CH₂)₀₋₃—, —O₂(CH₂)₀₋₃—, —NHSO₂, —SO₂NH—,                 —N(CH₂)₀₋₃—, —N(CH₂)₁₋₃O(CH₂)₀₋₃, —(CH₂)₁₋₄—,                 —CH═CH(CH₂)₀₋₂—, —C≡C(CH₂)₀₋₂—, —NHCO—, —CONH—;         -   each Y is independently selected from phenyl(CH₂)₀₋₂,             naphthyl(CH₂)₀₋₂, heterocyclyl(CH₂)₀₋₂, C₃₋₇             cycloalkyl(CH₂)₀₋₂, C₂₋₆ alkyl, C₂₋₆ alkenyl, C₂₋₆alkynyl,             or CH(OH)CH_(3-a)F_(a);         -   each Y is independently optionally substituted by one or             more R⁴ groups;             -   each R⁴ is independently selected from halo,                 CH_(3-a)F_(a), OCH_(3-a)F_(a), CN, NH₂, C₁₋₆alkyl,                 OC₁₋₆alkyl, COOH, (CH₂)₀₋₃COOH, O(CH₂)₀₋₃COOH,                 C(O)OC₁₋₆alkyl, C₁₋₆alkylC(O)OC₁₋₆alkyl, CO-phenyl,                 CONH₂, CONH-phenyl, SO₂NH₂, SO₂C₁₋₆alkyl, OH, or phenyl                 optionally substituted by one or more R⁵ groups, or                 R^(6b)—X—;                 -   R⁵ is selected from hydrogen, C₁₋₆alkyl or                     C(O)OC₁₋₆alkyl,                 -   R^(6b) is selected from hydrogen, C₁₋₆alkyl,                     CH_(3-a)F_(a) phenyl, naphthyl, heterocyclyl or                     C₃₋₇cycloalkyl; and R^(6b) is optionally substituted                     by halo, C₁₋₆alkyl, CH_(3-a)F_(a), CN, NH₂, COOH and                     COOC₁₋₆alkyl;     -   each a is independently 1, 2 or 3;     -   R³ is a heterocyclyl, and R³ is optionally substituted by one or         more R⁷ groups;         -   each R⁷ is independently selected from:             -   C₁₋₆alkyl, C₂₋₆alkenyl, C₂₋₆alkynyl, heterocyclyl,                 (CH₂)₀₋₃C₃₋₇cycloalkyl, OH, C₁₋₆alkyl-OH, halo,                 C₁₋₆alkyl-halo, OC₁₋₆alkyl, SC₁₋₆alkyl, SH, SO₃, NH₂,                 CN, NHCHO, NSO₂C₁₋₆alkyl, (CH₂)₀₋₃COOH,                 (CH₂)₀₋₃C(O)OC₁₋₆alkyl, (CH₂)₀₋₃CONH₂,                 (CH₂)₀₋₃CON(CH₂)₀₋₃R⁸, (CH₂)₀₋₃NH(CH₂)₀₋₃R⁸,                 (CH₂)₀₋₃NHC(O)(CH₂)₀₋₃R⁸;             -   R⁸ is selected from hydrogen, C₁₋₆alkyl, C₃₋₇cycloalkyl,                 OH, C₁₋₆alkyl-OH, COOH, C(O)OC₁₋₆alkyl, N(C₀₋₆                 alkyl)C₁₋₆ alkyl, O(C₀₋₆alkyl)C₁₋₆ alkyl,                 C₀₋₆alkylOC(O)C₁₋₆alkyl, C(OH)(C₁₋₆alkyl)C₁₋₆alkyl;                 provided that     -   (i) when R³ is thiazole and R⁷ is nitro, then at least one R²         group is other than —O-propene;     -   (ii) when R³ is pyrimidine or pyridine, then R¹ is other than         OH;     -   (iii) when R³ is pyridine, then R⁷ is other than COOH or         COOC₁₋₆alkyl.

A further feature of the invention is a compound of Formula (Id) or a salt, solvate of pro-drug thereof;

wherein

-   -   R³ is phenyl, optionally substituted by one or more R⁷ groups;     -   m, n, R¹, R², X, Y, R⁴, R⁵, R⁶, R⁷, R⁸, and a are as defined         above for a Compound of Formula (I).

Compounds of Formula (I), (Ia), (Ib), (Ic), or (Id) may form salts which are within the ambit of the invention. Pharmaceutically acceptable salts are preferred although other salts may be useful in, for example, isolating or purifying compounds.

When m is 2, each R¹ group may be the same or different; preferably both R¹ groups are the same. When n is 2, 3 or 4, each R² group may be the same or different to any other R² group; preferably at least two R² groups are different. The R¹ and/or R² group(s) may be attached at the -2, -3, -4, -5 or -6 positions.

The term “aryl” refers to phenyl, naphthyl or a partially saturated bicyclic carbocyclic ring containing between 8 and 12 carbon atoms, preferably between 8 and 10 carbon atoms. Example of partially saturated bicyclic carbocyclic ring include: 1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthyl, indanyl, indenyl, 1,2,4a,5,8,8a-hexahydronaphthyyl or 1,3a-dihydropentalene.

The term “halo” includes chloro, bromo, fluoro and iodo; preferably chloro, bromo and fluoro; most preferably fluoro.

The expression “—CH_(3-a)F_(a)” wherein a is an integer between 1 and 3 refers to a methyl group in which 1, 2 or all 3 hydrogen are replaced by a fluorine atom. Examples include: trifluoromethyl, difluoromethyl and fluoromethyl An analogous notation is used with reference to the group —(CH₂)₁₋₄CH_(3-a)F_(a), examples include: 2,2-difluoroethyl and 3,3,3-trifluoropropyl.

In this specification the term “alkyl” includes both straight and branched chain alkyl groups. For example, “C₁₋₄alkyl” includes propyl, isopropyl and t-butyl. For the avoidance of doubt, an alkyl chain can be joined to the rest of the molecule at the end of the alkyl chain or in the middle of an alkyl chain, i.e. the definition of “alkyl” includes the following structures:

wherein

represents the point of attachment to the rest of the molecule.

A “heterocyclyl” is a saturated, partially saturated or unsaturated, monocyclic or fused bicyclic ring containing 3-12 atoms of which at least one atom is chosen from nitrogen, sulphur or oxygen, wherein a —CH₂— group can optionally be replaced by a —C(O)— or sulphur atoms in a heterocyclic ring may be oxidised to S(O) or S(O)₂. A ‘heterocyclyl ring may, unless otherwise specified, be carbon or nitrogen linked, unless linking via nitrogen leads to a charged quaternary nitrogen.

Preferably a “heterocyclyl” is a saturated, partially saturated or unsaturated, monocyclic or fused bicyclic ring wherein each ring contains 5 or 6 atoms of which 1 to 3 atoms are nitrogen, sulphur or oxygen, which may, unless otherwise specified, be carbon or nitrogen linked, wherein a —CH₂— group can optionally be replaced by a —C(O)— or sulphur atoms in a heterocyclic ring may be oxidised to S(O) or S(O)₂ groups.

Examples and suitable values of the term “heterocyclyl” are thiazolidinyl, pyrrolidinyl, pyrrolinyl, 2-pyrrolidonyl, 2,5-dioxopyrrolidinyl, 2-benzoxazolinonyl, 1,1-dioxotetrahydrothienyl, 2,4-dioxoimidazolidinyl, 2-oxo-1,3,4-(4-triazolinyl), 2-oxazolidinonyl, 5,6-dihydrouracilyl, 1,3-benzodioxolyl, 1,2,4-oxadiazolyl, 2-azabicyclo[2.2.1]heptyl, 4-thiazolidonyl, morpholino, 2-oxotetrahydrofuranyl, tetrahydrofuranyl, 2,3-dihydrobenzofuranyl, benzothienyl, isoxazolyl, tetrahydropyranyl, piperidyl, 1-oxo-1,3-dihydroisoindolyl, piperazinyl, thiomorpholino, 1,1-dioxothiomorpholino, tetrahydropyranyl, 1,3-dioxolanyl, homopiperazinyl, thienyl, isoxazolyl, imidazolyl, pyrrolyl, thiazolyl, thiadiazolyl, isothiazolyl, 1,2,4-triazolyl, 1,2,3-triazolyl, pyranyl, indolyl, pyrimidyl, thiazolyl, pyrazinyl, pyridazinyl, pyridyl, 4-pyridonyl, quinolyl and 1-isoquinolonyl.

Preferably the term “heterocyclyl” refers to monocyclic heterocyclic rings with 5- or 6-membered systems, such as isoxazolyl, pyrrolidinyl, 2-pyrrolidonyl, 2,5-dioxopyrrolidinyl, morpholino, tetrahydrofuranyl, piperidyl, piperazinyl, thiomorpholino, tetrahydropyranyl, thienyl, imidazolyl, 1,2,4-triazolyl, 1,3,4-triazolyl, indolyl, thiazolyl, thiadiazolyl, pyrazinyl, pyridazinyl and pyridyl.

Preferred examples of 5/6 and 6/6 bicyclic ring systems include benzofuranyl, benzimidazolyl, benzthiophenyl, benzthiazolyl, benzisothiazolyl, benzoxazolyl, benzisoxazolyl, pyridoimidazolyl, pyrimidoimidazolyl, quinolinyl, isoquinolinyl, quinoxalinyl, quinazolinyl, phthalazinyl, cinnolinyl and naphthyridinyl.

The term “cycloalkyl” refers to a saturated carbocylic ring containing between 3 to 12 carbon atoms, preferably between 3 and 7 carbon atoms. Examples of C₃₋₇cycloalkyl include cycloheptyl, cyclohexyl, cyclopentyl, cyclobutyl or cyclopropyl. Preferably cyclopropyl, cyclopentyl or cyclohexyl.

Examples of C₁₋₆alkyl include methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, sec-butyl, tert-butyl and 2-ethyl-butyl; examples of C₁₋₆alkyl-OH include hydroxymethylen and hydroxyethylene; examples of C₁₋₆alkyl-halo include chloromethylene, fluoromethylene, chloroethylene and fluoroethylene; examples of C₂₋₆alkenyl include: ethenyl, 2-propenyl, 2-butenyl, or 2-methyl-2-butenyl; examples of C₂₋₆alkynyl include: ethynyl, 2-propynyl, 2-butynyl, or 2-methyl-2-butynyl, examples of —OC₁₋₄alkyl include methoxy, ethoxy, propoxy and tert-butoxy; examples of —C(O)OC₁₋₆alkyl include methoxycarbonyl, ethoxycarbonyl and tert-butyloxycarbonyl; examples of —NH—C₁₋₄alkyl include:

and examples of —N-di-(C₁₋₄alkyl):

For the avoidance of doubt, in the definition of linker group ‘X’, the right hand side of the group is attached to the phenyl ring and the left hand side is bound to ‘Y’. The same orientation applies to the linker group ‘X¹’, thus the right hand side of ‘X¹’ is attached to Y and the left hand side is attached to ‘R⁵’.

It is to be understood that, insofar as certain of the compounds of Formula (I), (Ia), (Ib), (Ic) and (Id) defined above or compounds of Formula (II) to (IIk) defined below may exist in optically active or racemic forms by virtue of one or more asymmetric carbon atoms, the invention includes in its definition any such optically active or racemic form which possesses the property of stimulating GLK directly or inhibiting the GLK/GLKRP interaction. The synthesis of optically active forms may be carried out by standard techniques of organic chemistry well known in the art, for example by synthesis from optically active starting materials or by resolution of a racemic form. It is also to be understood that certain compounds may exist in tautomeric forms and that the invention also relates to any and all tautomeric forms of the compounds of the invention which activate GLK.

Preferred compounds of Formula (I), (Ia), (Ib), (Ic), and (Id) above, and of compounds of Formula (II) to (IIk) below are those wherein any one or more of the following apply:

(I) m is 0 or 1;

-   -   n is 1 or 2; preferably n is 2;     -   most preferably m is 0 and n is 2.

(2) The R¹ and/or R² group(s) are attached at the 2-position and/or the 3-position and/or the 5-position; when n+m is 3, the groups are preferably at the 2-, 3- and 5-positions; when n+m is 2, the groups are preferably at the 2- and 5- or the 3- and 5-positions; most preferably there are two groups in total, substituted at the 3- and 5-positions.

(3) each R¹ is independently selected from OH, formyl, CH_(3-a)F_(a) (preferably CF₃), OCH_(3-a)F_(a), halo, C₁₋₆alkyl, NH₂, CN, (CH₂)₁₋₄OH or a heterocyclyl optionally substituted by C₁₋₆alkyl;

Preferably R¹ is selected from:

-   -   OH, formyl, CH_(3-a)F_(a) (preferably CF₃), OCH_(3-a)F_(a)         (preferably OCF₃), halo, C₁₋₄ alkyl (preferably methyl), NH₂, CN         and (CH₂)₁₋₄OH;

Most preferably R¹ is selected from:

-   -   OH, formyl, NH₂, halo (preferably chloro) or (CH₂)₁₋₄OH.

(4) each R² is the group Y—X—

-   -   wherein each X is independently selected from:         -   -Z-, —CH═CH-Z-, —O-Z-, —C(O)-Z-, —C(O)O-Z-, —OC(O)-Z-,             —C(O)-Z-O-Z-, —O—C(O)-Z-O-Z-, —S-Z-, —SO-Z-, —SO₂-Z-,             —N(R⁶)-Z-, —N(R⁶)CO-Z-, —CON(R⁶)-Z-, —N(R⁶)—C(O)-Z-O-Z-,             —SO₂N(R⁶)-Z-, —N(R⁶)SO₂-Z- or —O-Z-N(R⁶)-Z-;     -   preferably each X is selected from:         -   -Z-, —CH═CH-Z-, —O-Z-, —C(O)-Z-, —C(O)O-Z-, —C(O)-Z-O-Z-,             —O—C(O)-Z-O-Z-, —N(R⁶)-Z-, —N(R⁶)CO-Z-, —N(R⁶)—C(O)-Z-O-Z-             or —O-Z-N(R⁶)-Z-;     -   further preferably each X is selected from:         -   -Z-, —CH═CH-Z-, —O-Z-, —C(O)-Z-, —C(O)O-Z-, —C(O)-Z-O-Z-,             —N(R⁶)-Z-, or —N(R⁶)CO-Z-;

Most preferably each X is selected from:

-   -   —CH═CH-Z-, —O-Z- or —C(O)-Z-.     -   each Z is independently selected from:         -   a direct bond, —(CH₂)₁₋₂, or a group of the formula         -   —(CH₂)_(p)—C(R^(6a))₂—(CH₂)_(q)—, wherein R^(6a) is             independently selected from hydrogen and C₁₋₄alkyl;     -   preferably a direct bond, —(CH₂)₁₋₂— or a group of the formula         -   —(CH₂)_(p)—C(R^(6a))₂—(CH₂)_(q)—, wherein R^(6a) is             independently selected from hydrogen and C₁₋₄alkyl and p and             q are independently 0 or 1;     -   more preferably a direct bond, —CH₂— or —C(CH₃)₂—.     -   and each Y is independently selected from:         -   C₁₋₆alkyl, C₂₋₆alkenyl, aryl-Z¹-, heterocyclyl-Z¹-, C₃₋₇             cycloalkyl(CH₂)₀₋₂, —(CH₂)₁₋₄CH_(3-a)F_(a);     -   preferably each Y is selected from:         -   C₁₋₆alkyl (preferably a branched chain C₂₋₆ alkyl such as             isopropyl, isobutyl, etc) , C₂₋₆alkenyl, phenyl-Z¹- or             heterocyclyl-Z¹-,

Most preferably each Y is selected from:

-   -   —CH₃, —C₂H₅, prop-2-yl, iso-propyl, 1-methyl-propyl,         2-methyl-propyl, allyl, phenyl, 2-ethyl-butyl, phenyl-Z¹-,         cyclopropyl-Z¹-, cyclopentyl-Z¹-, morpholino-Z¹-,         piperidinyl-Z¹-, piperazinyl-Z¹-, pyrrolidinyl-Z¹-,         tetrahydro-2H-pyranyl-Z¹-, isoxazolyl-Z¹-, oxazolyl-Z¹-,         pyridyl-Z¹-, thiazolyl-Z¹-, thienyl-Z¹- or isoindolinyl-Z¹-,     -   each Z¹ is independently selected from:         -   a direct bond, —(CH₂)₁₋₂, or a group of the formula             —(CH₂)_(p)—C(R^(6a))₂—(CH₂)_(q)—, wherein R^(6a) is             independently selected from hydrogen and C₁₋₄alkyl;         -   preferably a direct bond, —(CH₂)₁₋₂— or a group of the             formula —(CH₂)_(p)—C(R^(6a))₂—(CH₂)_(q)—, wherein R^(6a) is             independently selected from hydrogen and C₁₋₂alkyl and p and             q are independently 0 or 1;         -   further preferably a direct bond, —CH₂—, —CH₂—CH(CH₃)— or             —(CH₂)₂—;         -   most preferably a direct bond, —CH₂— or —(CH₂)₂—     -   wherein in each of the above Y is independently optionally         substituted by R⁴.

(5) each R² is the group Y—X—, Z within the definition of X is a direct bond and Z¹ within the definition of Y is a group of the formula —(CH₂)_(p)—C(R^(6a))₂—(CH₂)_(q)—.

(6) each R⁴ is independently selected from

-   -   halo, CH_(3-a)F_(a) (ideally CF₃), OCH_(3-a)F_(a) (ideally         OCF₃), CN, C₁₋₆alkyl, OC₁₋₆alkyl, COOH, C(O)OC₁₋₆alkyl,         (CH₂)₀₋₃COOH, O(CH₂)₀₋₃COOH, CO-phenyl, CONH₂, CONH-phenyl,         SO₂NH₂, SO₂C₁₋₆alkyl, OH, or phenyl optionally substituted by         one or more R⁵ groups where R⁵ is selected from hydrogen,         C₁₋₆alkyl or C(O)OC₁₋₆alkyl;

Preferably each R⁴ is selected from

-   -   halo, CN, C₁₋₆alkyl, OC₁₋₆alkyl or COOH.

(7) each R⁵ is selected from:

-   -   C₁₋₆alkyl, phenyl, heterocyclyl or C₃₋₇cycloalkyl;

Preferably each R⁵ is selected from:

-   -   C₁₋₆alkyl, tetrahydrofuranyl, imidazolyl, isoxazolyl, pyrazinyl,         pyrimidinyl, thienyl,     -   1,3-benzodioxole, cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl or         cyclohexyl;

Most preferably each R⁵ is selected from:

-   -   CH₃, C₂H₅, prop-2-yl, tetrahydrofuranyl, imidazolyl, isoxazolyl,         pyrazinyl, pyrimidinyl, thienyl, 1,3-benzodioxolyl or         cyclopentyl;

(8) each X¹ is independently selected from:

-   -   a direct bond, -Z-, —O—C(O)-Z-, —C(O)-O-Z-, —C(O)-Z-,         —N(R⁶)—C(O)-Z-; —C(O)—N(R⁶)-Z-, —S(O₂)-Z-, —N(R⁶)SO₂-Z- or         —SO₂N(R⁶)-Z-;

Preferably each X¹ is independently selected from:

-   -   a direct bond, -Z-, —O—C(O)-Z-, —C(O)-Z-, N(R⁶)—C(O)-Z- or         —S(O₂)-Z-;

Most preferably each X¹ is independently selected from:

-   -   a direct bond, —CH₂—, —O—C(O)—, —C(O)—, —N(CH₃)—C(O)—CH₂— or         —S(O)₂—;

(9) optional substituents on R⁵ are independently selected from:

-   -   OH, CN, NH₂, C₁₋₆alkyl, OC₁₋₆alkyl or halo;

Preferably optional substituents on R⁵ are independently selected from:

-   -   OH, C₁₋₆alkyl, OC₁₋₆alkyl or halo;

Most preferably optional substituents on R⁵ are independently selected from:

-   -   OH, CH₃, t-butyl, OCH₃, chloro or fluoro;

(10) R³ is a heterocyclyl (preferably a nitrogen-containing heterocyclyl group), optionally substituted by one or more R⁷ groups;

Preferably R³ is a heterocyclyl selected from the following:

More preferably R³ is selected from:

-   -   thiazole, thiadiazole, pyridine, pyrazine, pyridazine, pyrazole,         pyrmidine, isoxazole, furan, benzothiazole, benzimidazole and         benzoxazole.

Further preferably R³ is selected from:

-   -   thiazole, benzothiazole, thiadiazole, pyridine, pyrazine,         pyridazine, pyrazole, imidazole, pyrimidine, oxazole and indole.

Most preferably R³ is selected from:

-   -   pyridine, thiazole or thiadiazole.

In a further embodiment of the invention, R³ is selected from:

-   -   benzothiazole, thiazole, thiadiazole, pyridine, pyrazine,         pyridazine, pyrazole, pyrmidine, isoxazole and furan.

(11) R³is not substituted or is substituted by one R⁷ group.

(12) each R⁷ is independently selected from:

-   -   OH, CN, NH₂, SO₃, thioxo, halo, C₁₋₆alkyl, C₁₋₆alkyl-OH,         O—C₁₋₆alkyl, C₁₋₆alkyl-halo, (CH₂)₀₋₃COOH, (CH₂)₀₋₃C(O)OR⁸,         (CH₂)₀₋₃NH(CH₂)₀₋₃R⁸, (CH₂)₀₋₃NHC(O)(CH₂)₀₋₃R⁸,         (CH₂)₀₋₃C(O)NH(CH₂)₀₋₃R⁸, —(CH₂)₀₋₃S(O)₀₋₂R⁸,         —(CH₂)₀₋₃N(R⁶)SO₂R⁸, (CH₂)₀₋₃C(O)N(R⁶)S(O)₂R⁸ or         (CH₂)₀₋₃heterocyclyl;     -   preferably R⁷ is selected from:         -   OH, CN, NH₂, SO₃, thioxo, halo, C₁₋₄alkyl, C₁₋₄alkyl-OH,             O—C₁₋₄alkyl, C₁₋₄alkyl-halo, (CH₂)₀₋₁COOH, (CH₂)₀₋₁C(O)OR⁸,             (CH₂)₀₋₁NH(CH₂)₀₋₂R⁸, (CH₂)₀₋₁NHC(O)(CH₂)₀₋₂R⁸,             (CH₂)₀₋₁C(O)NH(CH₂)₀₋₂R⁸, —(CH₂)₀₋₂S(O)₀₋₂R⁸,             —(CH₂)₀₋₁N(R⁶)SO₂R⁸, (CH₂)₀₋₁C(O)N(R⁶)S(O)₂R⁸ or             (CH₂)₀₋₁heterocyclyl (preferably the heterocyclyl is             selected from furanyl, morpholino, 5-oxo-oxadiazolyl or             tetrazolyl);     -   further preferably R⁷ is selected from:         -   COOH, C(O)OC₁₋₆alkyl, (CH₂)₀₋₁C(O)NH(CH₂)₀₋₂R⁸,             (CH₂)₀₋₃C(O)NHSO₂—R⁸ or (CH₂)₀₋₃SO₂NHC(O)—R⁸;     -   most preferably R⁷ is selected from:         -   COOH, C(O)OC₁₋₆alkyl or (CH₂)₀₋₁C(O)NH(CH₂)₀₋₂R⁸,

(13) R⁸ is selected from:

-   -   hydrogen, OH, COOH, C₁₋₆alkyl, O—C₁₋₆alkyl, —C(O)—O—C₁₋₆alkyl,         C₀₋₆alkylOC(O)C₁₋₆alkyl, N(R⁶)C₁₋₆alkyl, aryl, heterocyclyl or         C₃₋₇cycloalkyl;

Preferably R⁸ is selected from:

-   -   hydrogen, OH, COOH, CH₃, isopropyl, 2-methyl-butyl, pent-3-yl,         —O—CH₃, —C(O)—O—C₂H₅, —CH₂—O—C(O)—CH₃, —CH₂—O—C(O)—C₂H₅,         —C(CH₃)₂—O—C(O)—CH₃, NH-isopropyl, NH-t-butyl, N(CH₃)—CH₃,         phenyl, isoxazolyl, pyrazolyl, pyridyl, thienyl, cyclopropyl or         cyclobutyl;

(14) Preferred optional substituents on R⁸ are independently selected from:

-   -   OH, CN, NH₂, halo or C₁₋₆alkyl;

More preferred optional substituents on R⁸ are independently selected from:

-   -   OH, halo or C₁₋₆alkyl;

More preferred optional substituents on R⁸ are independently selected from:

-   -   OH, chloro, fluoro and CH₃.

For example, particularly preferred compounds of the invention are those wherein:

-   -   m is 0 and n is 2, the two R² groups are attached at the 2- and         5- or the 3- and 5-positions (ideally the 3- and 5-positions),         and X is —O(CH₂)₀₋₂— (ideally —OCH₂—); or     -   m is 0 and n is 2, the two R² groups are attached at the 2- and         5- or the 3- and 5-positions (ideally the 3- and 5-positions), X         is —O(CH₂)₀₋₂— (ideally —O— or —OCH₂—), and Y is benzyl         optionally substituted by halo (such as fluoro or chloro,         ideally fluoro) or C₁₋₆alkyl; or     -   m is 0 and n is 2, the two R² groups are attached at the 2- and         5- or the 3- and 5-positions (ideally the 3- and 5-positions), X         is —O(CH₂)₀₋₂— (ideally —O— or —OCH₂—), and R³ is a heterocyclyl         optionally substituted by R⁷; or     -   m is 0 and n is 2, the two R² groups are attached at the 2- and         5- or the 3- and 5-positions (ideally the 3- and 5-positions), X         is —O— or —O(CH₂)₀₋₂— (ideally —O— or —OCH₂—), Y is phenyl         optionally substituted by halo (such as fluoro or chloro,         ideally fluoro) or C₁₋₆alkyl, and R³ is a heterocyclyl         optionally substituted by R⁷; or     -   m is 1 and n is 1, the R¹ and R² groups are attached at the 2-         and 5- or the 3- and 5-positions (ideally the 3- and         5-positions), R¹ is halo (such as fluoro, chloro), and X is         —O(CH₂)₀₋₂— (ideally —O— or —OCH₂—).

According to a further feature of the invention there is provided the following preferred groups of compounds of the invention: (I) A Compound of Formula (II)

wherein:

-   -   X, Z¹, R³ and R⁴ are as defined above in a compound of Formula         (I);     -   or a salt, solvate or pro-drug thereof.         (II) A Compound of Formula (IIa)         wherein:     -   Het is a monocyclic heterocyclyl, optionally substituted with up         to 3 groups selected from R⁴ and,     -   X, Z¹, R³ and R⁴ are as defined above in a compound of Formula         (I);     -   or a salt, solvate or pro-drug thereof.         (III) A Compound of Formula (IIb)         wherein:     -   the C₁₋₆alkyl group is optionally substituted with up to 3         groups selected from R⁴, preferably unsubstituted;     -   the C₁₋₆alkyl group optionally contains a double bond,         preferably the C₁₋₆alkyl group does not contains a double bond;         and     -   X, Z¹, R³ and R⁴ are as defined above in a compound of Formula         (I);     -   or a salt, solvate or pro-drug thereof.         (I) A Compound of Formula (IIc)         wherein:     -   the C₃₋₇cycloalkyl group is optionally substituted with up to 3         groups selected from R⁴, and     -   X, Z¹, R³ and R⁴ are as defined above in a compound of Formula         (I);     -   or a salt, solvate or pro-drug thereof.         (V) A Compound of Formula (IId)         wherein:     -   the C₁₋₆alkyl groups are independently optionally substituted         with up to 3 groups selected from R⁴, preferably one of the         C₁₋₆alkyl groups is unsubstituted, the C₁₋₆alkyl groups         independently optionally contain a double bond, preferably only         one of the C₁₋₆alkyl groups contain a double bond, preferably         neither of the C₁₋₆alkyl group contains a double bond, and     -   X, R³ and R⁴ are as defined above in a compound of Formula (I);     -   or a salt, solvate or pro-drug thereof.         (VI) A Compound of Formula (IIe)         wherein:     -   the C₃₋₇cycloalkyl and C₁₋₆alkyl groups are independently         optionally substituted with up to 3 groups selected from R⁴,         preferably the C₁₋₆alkyl group is unsubstituted;     -   the C₁₋₆alkyl group optionally contains a double bond,         preferably the C₁₋₆alkyl group does not contains a double bond;         and     -   X, Z¹, R³ and R⁴ are as defined above in a compound of Formula         (I);     -   or a salt, solvate or pro-drug thereof.         (VII) A Compound of Formula (IIf)         wherein:     -   Het is a monocyclic heterocyclyl,     -   the Het and C₁₋₆alkyl groups are independently optionally         substituted with up to 3 groups selected from R⁴, preferably the         C₁₋₆alkyl group is unsubstituted;     -   the C₁₋₆alkyl group optionally contains a double bond,         preferably the C₁₋₆alkyl group does not contains a double bond;         and     -   X, Z¹, R³ and R⁴ are as defined above in a compound of Formula         (I);     -   or a salt, solvate or pro-drug thereof.

A further preferred group of compounds of group (VII) comprise compounds of Formula (IIf) wherein:

-   -   Het is a saturated monocyclic heterocyclyl;     -   X is -Z-, preferably —CH₂—;     -   R⁴ is a group of R⁵—X¹—;     -   X¹ is as defined for a compound of Formula (I);     -   R⁵ is C₁₋₆alkyl, phenyl, heterocyclyl, each of which is         optionally substituted as defined for a compound of Formula (I);         (VIII) A Compound of Formula (IIg)         wherein:     -   Het is a monocyclic heterocyclyl,     -   the Het and C₃₋₇cycloalkyl groups are independently optionally         substituted with up to 3 groups selected from R⁴, and     -   X, Z¹, R³ and R⁴ are as defined above in a compound of Formula         (I);     -   or a salt, solvate or pro-drug thereof.         (IX) A Compound of Formula (IIh)         wherein:     -   Y is aryl-Z¹-, wherein aryl is preferably a partially saturated         bicyclic carbocyclic ring;     -   Y and the C₁₋₆alkyl group are independently optionally         substituted with up to 3 groups selected from R⁴, preferably the         C₁₋₆alkyl group is unsubstituted,     -   the C₁₋₆alkyl group optionally contains a double bond,         preferably the C₁₋₆alkyl group does not contains a double bond;         and     -   X, Z¹, R³ and R⁴ are as defined above in a compound of Formula         (I);     -   or a salt, solvate or pro-drug thereof.         (X) A Compound of Formula (IIj)         wherein:     -   X is selected from —SO₂N(R⁶)-Z- or —N(R⁶)SO₂-Z-, preferably X is         —SO₂N(R⁶)-Z-;     -   Z is as described above, preferably Z is propylene, ethylene or         methylene, more preferably Z is methylene;     -   Z^(a) is selected from a direct bond or a group of the formula         -   —(CH₂)_(p)—C(R^(6a))₂—(CH₂)_(q)—; preferably Z^(a) is             selected from C₁₋₂alkylene or a direct bond; preferably             Z^(a) is a direct bond;     -   R^(6a) is selected from: C₁₋₄alkyl or hydrogen, preferably         methyl or hydrogen;     -   Y is selected from aryl-Z¹- or heterocyclyl-Z¹-;     -   Y and the C₁₋₆alkyl group are independently optionally         substituted with up to 3 groups selected from R⁴,     -   the C₁₋₄alkyl group optionally contains a double bond,         preferably the C₁₋₆alkyl group does not contain a double bond,         and     -   Z¹, R³ and R⁴ are as defined above in a compound of Formula (I);     -   or a salt, solvate or pro-drug thereof.         (XI) A Compound of Formula (IIk)         wherein:     -   the C₃₋₇cycloalkyl groups are independently optionally         substituted with up to 3 groups selected from R⁴, and     -   X, Z¹, R³ and R⁴ are as defined above in a compound of Formula         (I);     -   or a salt, solvate or pro-drug thereof.

A further preferred groups of compounds of the invention in either of groups (I)-(XI) above is wherein:

-   -   X is independently selected from: —O-Z-, SO₂N(R⁶)-Z- or         —N(R⁶)-Z-;     -   Z is a direct bond or —CH₂—;     -   Z¹ is selected from a direct bond, —CH₂—, —(CH₂)₂— or         and     -   R³ is as defined above in a compound of Formula (I);     -   or a salt, solvate or pro-drug thereof.

A further preferred groups of compounds of the invention in either of groups (I)-(XI) above is wherein:

-   -   R³ is substituted by at least one R⁷ group (preferably one R⁷         group);     -   R⁷ is a group of the formula (CH₂)₀₋₃NH(CH₂)₀₋₃R⁸,         (CH₂)₀₋₃N(R⁶)S(O)₂R⁸ or (CH₂)₀₋₃heterocyclyl (preferably         5-oxo-1,2,4-oxadiaxol-3-yl or -tetrazol-5-yl);     -   R³, R⁶ and R⁸ are as defined above in a compound of Formula (I);     -   or a salt, solvate or pro-drug thereof.

The compounds of the invention may be administered in the form of a pro-drug. A pro-drug is a bioprecursor or pharmaceutically acceptable compound being degradable in the body to produce a compound of the invention (such as an ester or amide of a compound of the invention, particularly an in vivo hydrolysable ester). Various forms of prodrugs are known in the art. For examples of such prodrug derivatives, see:

-   -   a) Design of Prodrugs, edited by H. Bundgaard, (Elsevier, 1985)         and Methods in Enzymology, Vol. 42, p. 309-396, edited by K.         Widder, et al. (Academic Press, 1985);     -   b) A Textbook of Drug Design and Development, edited by         Krogsgaard-Larsen;     -   c) H. Bundgaard, Chapter 5 “Design and Application of Prodrugs”,         by H. Bundgaard p. 113-191 (1991);     -   d) H. Bundgaard, Advanced Drug Delivery Reviews, 8, 1-38 (1992);     -   e) H. Bundgaard, et al., Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 77,         285 (1988); and     -   f) N. Kakeya, et al., Chem Pharm Bull, 32, 692 (1984).         The contents of the above cited documents are incorporated         herein by reference.

Examples of pro-drugs are as follows. An in-vivo hydrolysable ester of a compound of the invention containing a carboxy or a hydroxy group is, for example, a pharmaceutically-acceptable ester which is hydrolysed in the human or animal body to produce the parent acid or alcohol. Suitable pharmaceutically-acceptable esters for carboxy include C₁ to C₆alkoxymethyl esters for example methoxymethyl, C₁ to ₆alkanoyloxymethyl esters for example pivaloyloxymethyl, phthalidyl esters, C₃ to ₈cycloalkoxycarbonyloxyC₁ to ₆alkyl esters for example 1-cyclohexylcarbonyloxyethyl; 1,3-dioxolen-2-onylmethyl esters, for example 5-methyl-1,3-dioxolen-2-onylmethyl; and C₁₋₆alkoxycarbonyloxyethyl esters.

An in-vivo hydrolysable ester of a compound of the invention containing a hydroxy group includes inorganic esters such as phosphate esters (including phosphoramidic cyclic esters) and α-acyloxyalkyl ethers and related compounds which as a result of the in-vivo hydrolysis of the ester breakdown to give the parent hydroxy group/s. Examples of α-acyloxyalkyl ethers include acetoxymethoxy and 2,2-dimethylpropionyloxy-methoxy. A selection of in-vivo hydrolysable ester forming groups for hydroxy include alkanoyl, benzoyl, phenylacetyl and substituted benzoyl and phenylacetyl, alkoxycarbonyl (to give alkyl carbonate esters), dialkylcarbamoyl and N-(dialkylaminoethyl)-N-alkylcarbamoyl (to give carbamates), dialkylaminoacetyl and carboxyacetyl.

A suitable pharmaceutically-acceptable salt of a compound of the invention is, for example, an acid-addition salt of a compound of the invention which is sufficiently basic, for example, an acid-addition salt with, for example, an inorganic or organic acid, for example hydrochloric, hydrobromic, sulphuric, phosphoric, trifluoroacetic, citric or maleic acid. In addition a suitable pharmaceutically-acceptable salt of a benzoxazinone derivative of the invention which is sufficiently acidic is an alkali metal salt, for example a sodium or potassium salt, an alkaline earth metal salt, for example a calcium or magnesium salt, an ammonium salt or a salt with an organic base which affords a physiologically-acceptable cation, for example a salt with methylamine, dimethylamine, trimethylamine, piperidine, morpholine or tris-(2-hydroxyethyl)amine.

A further feature of the invention is a pharmaceutical composition comprising a compound of Formula (I) to (Id) or (II) to (IIk) as defined above, or a salt, solvate or prodrug thereof, together with a pharmaceutically-acceptable diluent or carrier.

According to another aspect of the invention there is provided a compound of Formula (Ib) to (Id), or (II) to (IIk) as defined above for use as a medicament; provided that when R³ is 2-pyridyl and X is other than -Z-, —C(O)-Z-O-Z-, —N((R⁶)—C(O)-Z-O-Z- or —O-Z-N(R⁶)-Z-, then R³ cannot be mono-substituted at the 4-position with an R⁷ group selected from COOH or C(O)OC₁₋₆alkyl.

Further according to the invention there is provided a compound of Formula (Ib) to (Id), or (II) to (IIk) for use in the preparation of a medicament for treatment of a disease mediated through GLK, in particular type 2 diabetes.

The compound is suitably formulated as a pharmaceutical composition for use in this way.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of treating GLK mediated diseases, especially diabetes, by administering an effective amount of a compound of Formula (Ib) to (Id), or (II) to (IIk), or salt, solvate or pro-drug thereof, to a mammal in need of such treatment.

Specific disease which may be treated by the compound or composition of the invention include: blood glucose lowering in Diabetes Mellitus type 2 without a serious risk of hypoglycaemia (and potential to treat type 1), dyslipidemea, obesity, insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome X, impaired glucose tolerance.

As discussed above, thus the GLK/GLKRP system can be described as a potential “Diabesity” target (of benefit in both Diabetes and Obesity). Thus, according to another aspect of the invention there if provided the use of a compound of Formula (Ib) to (Id), or (II) to (IIk), or salt, solvate or pro-drug thereof, in the preparation of a medicament for use in the combined treatment or prevention of diabetes and obesity.

According to another aspect of the invention there if provided the use of a compound of Formula (Ib) to (Id), or (II) to (IIk), or salt, solvate or pro-drug thereof, in the preparation of a medicament for use in the treatment or prevention of obesity.

According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided a method for the combined treatment of obesity and diabetes by administering an effective amount of a compound of Formula (Ib) to (Id), or (II) to (IIk), or salt, solvate or pro-drug thereof, to a mammal in need of such treatment.

According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided a method for the treatment of obesity by administering an effective amount of a compound of Formula (Ib) to (Id), or (II) to (IIk), or salt, solvate or pro-drug thereof, to a mammal in need of such treatment.

The compositions of the invention may be in a form suitable for oral use (for example as tablets, lozenges, hard or soft capsules, aqueous or oily suspensions, emulsions, dispersible powders or granules, syrups or elixirs), for topical use (for example as creams, ointments, gels, or aqueous or oily solutions or suspensions), for administration by inhalation (for example as a finely divided powder or a liquid aerosol), for administration by insufflation (for example as a finely divided powder) or for parenteral administration (for example as a sterile aqueous or oily solution for intravenous, subcutaneous, intramuscular or intramuscular dosing or as a suppository for rectal dosing).

The compositions of the invention may be obtained by conventional procedures using conventional pharmaceutical excipients, well known in the art. Thus, compositions intended for oral use may contain, for example, one or more colouring, sweetening, flavouring and/or preservative agents.

Suitable pharmaceutically acceptable excipients for a tablet formulation include, for example, inert diluents such as lactose, sodium carbonate, calcium phosphate or calcium carbonate, granulating and disintegrating agents such as corn starch or algenic acid; binding agents such as starch; lubricating agents such as magnesium stearate, stearic acid or talc; preservative agents such as ethyl or propyl p-hydroxybenzoate, and anti-oxidants, such as ascorbic acid. Tablet formulations may be uncoated or coated either to modify their disintegration and the subsequent absorption of the active ingredient within the gastrointestinal tract, or to improve their stability and/or appearance, in either case, using conventional coating agents and procedures well known in the art.

Compositions for oral use may be in the form of hard gelatin capsules in which the active ingredient is mixed with an inert solid diluent, for example, calcium carbonate, calcium phosphate or kaolin, or as soft gelatin capsules in which the active ingredient is mixed with water or an oil such as peanut oil, liquid paraffin, or olive oil.

Aqueous suspensions generally contain the active ingredient in finely powdered form together with one or more suspending agents, such as sodium carboxymethylcellulose, methylcellulose, hydroxypropylmethylcellulose, sodium alginate, polyvinyl-pyrrolidone, gum tragacanth and gum acacia; dispersing or wetting agents such as lecithin or condensation products of an alkylene oxide with fatty acids (for example polyoxethylene stearate), or condensation products of ethylene oxide with long chain aliphatic alcohols, for example heptadecaethyleneoxycetanol, or condensation products of ethylene oxide with partial esters derived from fatty acids and a hexitol such as polyoxyethylene sorbitol monooleate, or condensation products of ethylene oxide with long chain aliphatic alcohols, for example heptadecaethyleneoxycetanol, or condensation products of ethylene oxide with partial esters derived from fatty acids and a hexitol such as polyoxyethylene sorbitol monooleate, or condensation products of ethylene oxide with partial esters derived from fatty acids and hexitol anhydrides, for example polyethylene sorbitan monooleate. The aqueous suspensions may also contain one or more preservatives (such as ethyl or propyl p-hydroxybenzoate, anti-oxidants (such as ascorbic acid), colouring agents, flavouring agents, and/or sweetening agents (such as sucrose, saccharine or aspartame).

Oily suspensions may be formulated by suspending the active ingredient in a vegetable oil (such as arachis oil, olive oil, sesame oil or coconut oil) or in a mineral oil (such as liquid paraffin). The oily suspensions may also contain a thickening agent such as beeswax, hard paraffin or cetyl alcohol. Sweetening agents such as those set out above, and flavouring agents may be added to provide a palatable oral preparation. These compositions may be preserved by the addition of an anti-oxidant such as ascorbic acid.

Dispersible powders and granules suitable for preparation of an aqueous suspension by the addition of water generally contain the active ingredient together with a dispersing or wetting agent, suspending agent and one or more preservatives. Suitable dispersing or wetting agents and suspending agents are exemplified by those already mentioned above. Additional excipients such as sweetening, flavouring and colouring agents, may also be present.

The pharmaceutical compositions of the invention may also be in the form of oil-in-water emulsions. The oily phase may be a vegetable oil, such as olive oil or arachis oil, or a mineral oil, such as for example liquid paraffin or a mixture of any of these. Suitable emulsifying agents may be, for example, naturally-occurring gums such as gum acacia or gum tragacanth, naturally-occurring phosphatides such as soya bean, lecithin, an esters or partial esters derived from fatty acids and hexitol anhydrides (for example sorbitan monooleate) and condensation products of the said partial esters with ethylene oxide such as polyoxyethylene sorbitan monooleate. The emulsions may also contain sweetening, flavouring and preservative agents.

Syrups and elixirs may be formulated with sweetening agents such as glycerol, propylene glycol, sorbitol, aspartame or sucrose, and may also contain a demulcent, preservative, flavouring and/or colouring agent.

The pharmaceutical compositions may also be in the form of a sterile injectable aqueous or oily suspension, which may be formulated according to known procedures using one or more of the appropriate dispersing or wetting agents and suspending agents, which have been mentioned above. A sterile injectable preparation may also be a sterile injectable solution or suspension in a non-toxic parenterally-acceptable diluent or solvent, for example a solution in 1,3-butanediol.

Compositions for administration by inhalation may be in the form of a conventional pressurised aerosol arranged to dispense the active ingredient either as an aerosol containing finely divided solid or liquid droplets. Conventional aerosol propellants such as volatile fluorinated hydrocarbons or hydrocarbons may be used and the aerosol device is conveniently arranged to dispense a metered quantity of active ingredient.

For further information on formulation the reader is referred to Chapter 25.2 in Volume 5 of Comprehensive Medicinal Chemistry (Corwin Hansch; Chairman of Editorial Board), Pergamon Press 1990.

The amount of active ingredient that is combined with one or more excipients to produce a single dosage mg to 2 g of active agent compounded with an appropriate and convenient amount of excipients which may vary from about 5 to about 98 percent by weight of the total composition. Dosage unit forms will generally contain about 1 mg to about 500 mg of an active ingredient. For further information on Routes of Administration and Dosage Regimes the reader

The size of the dose for therapeutic or prophylactic purposes of a compound of the Formula (I), (Ia), (Ib), (Ic) or (Id) will naturally vary according to the nature and severity of the conditions, the age and sex of the animal or patient and the route of administration, according to well known principles of medicine.

In using a compound of the Formula (I), (Ia), (Ib), (Ic) or (Id) for therapeutic or prophylactic purposes it will generally be administered so that a daily dose in the range, for example, 0.5 mg to 75 mg per kg body weight is received, given if required in divided doses. In general lower doses will be administered when a parenteral route is employed. Thus, for example, for intravenous administration, a dose in the range, for example, 0.5 mg to 30 mg per kg body weight will generally be used. Similarly, for administration by inhalation, a dose in the range, for example, 0.5 mg to 25 mg per kg body weight will be used. Oral administration is however preferred.

The elevation of GLK activity described herein may be applied as a sole therapy or may involve, in addition to the subject of the present invention, one or more other substances and/or treatments. Such conjoint treatment may be achieved by way of the simultaneous, sequential or separate administration of the individual components of the treatment. Simultaneous treatment may be in a single tablet or in separate tablets. For example in the treatment of diabetes mellitus chemotherapy may include the following main categories of treatment:

-   -   1 ) Insulin and insulin analogues;     -   2) Insulin secretagogues including sulphonylureas (for example         glibenclamide, glipizide) and prandial glucose regulators (for         example repaglinide, nateglinide);     -   3) Insulin sensitising agents including PPARg agonists (for         example pioglitazone and rosiglitazone);     -   4) Agents that suppress hepatic glucose output (for example         metformin).     -   5) Agents designed to reduce the absorption of glucose from the         intestine (for example acarbose);     -   6) Agents designed to treat the complications of prolonged         hyperglycaemia;     -   7) Anti-obesity agents (for example sibutramine and orlistat);     -   8) Anti-dyslipidaemia agents such as, HMG-CoA reductase         inhibitors (statins, eg pravastatin); PPARα agonists (fibrates,         eg gemfibrozil); bile acid sequestrants (cholestyramine);         cholesterol absorption inhibitors (plant stanols, synthetic         inhibitors); bile acid absorption inhibitors (IBATi) and         nicotinic acid and analogues (niacin and slow release         formulations);     -   9) Antihypertensive agents such as, β blockers (eg atenolol,         inderal); ACE inhibitors (eg lisinopril); Calcium antagonists         (eg. nifedipine); Angiotensin receptor antagonists (eg         candesartan), α antagonists and diuretic agents (eg. furosemide,         benzthiazide);     -   10) Haemostasis modulators such as, antithrombotics, activators         of fibrinolysis and antiplatelet agents; thrombin antagonists;         factor Xa inhibitors; factor VIIa inhibitors); antiplatelet         agents (eg. aspirin, clopidogrel); anticoagulants (heparin and         Low molecular weight analogues, hirudin) and warfarin; and     -   11) Anti-inflammatory agents, such as non-steroidal         anti-infammatory drugs (eg. aspirin) and steroidal         anti-inflammatory agents (eg. cortisone).

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided individual compounds produced as end products in the Examples set out below and salts, solvates and pro-drugs thereof.

A compound of the invention, or a salt thereof, may be prepared by any process known to be applicable to the preparation of such compounds or structurally related compounds. Such processes are illustrated by the following representative schemes (Routes 1-18) in which variable groups have any of the meanings defined for formula (I) unless stated otherwise. Functional groups may be protected and deprotected using conventional methods. For examples of protecting groups such as amino and carboxylic acid protecting groups (as well as means of formation and eventual deprotection), see T. W. Greene and P. G. M. Wuts, “Protective Groups in Organic Synthesis”, Second Edition, John Wiley & Sons, New York, 1991.

The condensation of an acid with a heterocyclic amine (Route 1) is used in the preparation of compounds of the invention or in the preparation of intermediates to the final products. One or more further reactions (such as ester hydrolysis, Routes 2a and 2b) may then be performed on these intermediates. The amide-forming reaction (Route 1) is best accomplished via the acid chloride, which is usually prepared using oxalyl chloride. However, alternative methods for acid chloride formation (such as resin-bound triphenyl phosphine with carbon tetrachloride and dichloromethane) may also be employed. Additionally, alternative methods of amide-bond formation (such as a peptide-coupling agent such as EDC or HATU, with or without additives such as DIPEA or DMAP) may be used.

The remaining preparative routes (Routes 2-18) consist of further manipulation of the compound with the amide bond in place. Further preparative routes are summarise in Routes 19-29. Examples of routes 1-29 are provided in the examples below. Reagents and conditions given are only for illustration and alternative methods may generally be employed.

Other amide forming reactions include:

-   -   1a: Oxalyl chloride in the presence of a suitable solvent or         base;     -   1b: coupling reagents such as HATU or EDAC in the presence of a         suitable solvent or base; and     -   1c: POCl3/Pyridine, according to Dirk T. S. Rijkers,         Hans P. H. M. Adams, H. Coenraad Hemker, Godefridus I. Tesser;         Tetrahedron, 1995, 51(41), pp11235-11250.

Processes for the synthesis of compounds of Formula (I) are provided as a further feature of the invention. Thus, according to a further aspect of the invention there is provided a process for the preparation of a compound of Formula (I) which comprises:

-   -   (a) reaction of a compound of Formula (IIIa) with a compound of         Formula (IIIb),         wherein X¹ is a leaving group     -   (b) for compounds of Formula (I) wherein R³ is substituted with         —(CH₂)₀₋₃COOH, de-protection of a compound of Formula (IIIc),         wherein P¹ is a protecting group;     -   (c) for compounds of Formula (I) wherein n is 1, 2, 3 or 4,         reaction of a compound of Formula (IIId) with a compound of         Formula (IIIe),         Y—X″  Formula (IIId)         wherein X′ and X″ comprises groups which when reacted together         form the group X;     -   (d) for a compound of Formula (I) wherein n is 1, 2, 3 or 4 and         X or X¹ is —SO-Z- or —SO₂-Z-, oxidation of the corresponding         compound of Formula (I) wherein X or X¹ respectively is —S-Z-;     -   (e) reaction of a compound of Formula (IIIf) with a compound of         Formula (IIIg),         wherein X² is a leaving group         and thereafter, if necessary:     -   i) converting a compound of Formula (I) into another compound of         Formula (I);     -   ii) removing any protecting groups;     -   iii) forming a salt, pro-drug or solvate thereof.

Specific reaction conditions for the above reactions are as follows:

-   -   Process a)—as described above for Route 1);     -   Process b)—as described above for Route 2);     -   Process c)—examples of this process are as follows:         -   (i) to form a group when X is —O-Z-, X′ is a group of             formula HO-Z- and X″ is a leaving group (alternatively X′ is             a group of formula L²-Z- wherein L is a leaving group and X″             is a hydroxyl group), compounds of Formula (IIId) and (IIIe)             are reacted together in a suitable solvent, such as DMF or             THF, with a base such as sodium hydride or potassium             tert-butoxide, at a temperature in the range 0 to 100° C.,             optionally using metal catalysis such as palladium on carbon             or cuprous iodide;         -   (ii) to form a group when X is N(R⁶)-Z-, X′ is a group of             formula H—(R⁶)N-Z- and X″ is a leaving group (alternatively             X′ is a group of formula L²-Z- wherein L² is a leaving group             and X″ is a group or formula —N(R⁶)—H), compounds of Formula             (IIId) and (IIIe) are reacted together in a suitable solvent             such as THF, an alcohol or acetonitrile, using a reducing             agent such as sodium cyano borohydride or sodium             trisacetoxyborohydride at room temperature;         -   (iii) to form a group when X is —SO₂N(R⁶)-Z-, X′ is a group             of formula H—N(R⁶)-Z- wherein L is a leaving group and X″ is             an activated sulphonyl group such as a group of formula             —SO₂—Cl, compounds of Formula (IIId) and (IIIe) are reacted             together in a suitable solvent such as methylene chloride,             THF or pyridine, in the presence of a base such as             triethylamine or pyridine at room temperature;         -   (iv) to form a group when X is —N(R⁶)SO₂-Z-, X′ is an             activated sulphonyl group such as a group of formula             Cl—SO₂-Z- group and X″ is a group of formula —N(R⁶)-L²             wherein L² is a leaving group, compounds of Formula (IIId)             and (IIIe) are reacted together in a suitable solvent such             as methylene chloride, THF or pyridine, in the presence of a             base such as triethylamine or pyridine at room temperature;         -   (v) to form a group when X is —C(O)N(R⁶)-Z-, X′ is a group             of formula H—N(R⁶)-Z- wherein L² is a leaving group and X″             is an activated carbonyl group such as a group of formula             —C(O)—Cl, compounds of Formula (IIId) and (IIIe) are reacted             together in a suitable solvent such as THF or methylene             chloride, in the presence of a base such as triethylamine or             pyridine at room temperature;             -   (vi) to form a group when X is —N(R⁶)C(O)-Z-, X′ is an                 activated carbonyl group such as a group of formula                 Cl—C(O)-Z- group and X″ is a group of formula —N(R⁶)-L²                 wherein L² is a leaving group, compounds of Formula                 (IIId) and (IIIe) are reacted together in a suitable                 solvent such as THF or methylene chloride, in the                 presence of a base such as triethylamine or pyridine at                 room temperature;         -   (vii) to form a group when X is —CH═CH-Z-, a Wittag reaction             or a Wadsworth-Emmans Homer reaction can be used. For             example, X′ terminates in an aldehyde group and Y—X″ is a             phosphine derivative of the formula Y—C—H—P⁺PH₃ which can be             reacted together in a strong base such as sodium hydride or             potassium tert-butoxide, in a suitable solvent such as THF             at a temperature between room temperature and 100° C.

Process d)—the oxidization of a compound of Formula (I) wherein X or X′ is —S-Z- is well known in the art, for example, reaction with metachloroperbenzoic acid (MCPBA) is the presence of a suitable solvent such as dichloromethane at ambient temperature. If an excess of MCPBA is used a compound of Formula (I) wherein X is —S(O₂)— is obtained.

Process e)—reaction of a Formula (IIIf) with a compound of Formula (IIIg) can be performed in a polar solvent, such as DMF or a non-polar solvent such as THF with a strong base, such as sodium hydride or potassium tert-butoxide at a temperature between 0 and 100° C., optionally using metal catalysis, such as palladium on carbon or cuprous iodide.

During the preparation process, it may be advantageous to use a protecting group for a functional group within R². Protecting groups may be removed by any convenient method as described in the literature or known to the skilled chemist as appropriate for the removal of the protecting group in question, such methods being chosen so as to effect removal of the protecting group with minimum disturbance of groups elsewhere in the molecule.

Specific examples of protecting groups are given below for the sake of convenience, in which “lower” signifies that the group to which it is applied preferably has 1-4 carbon atoms. It will be understood that these examples are not exhaustive. Where specific examples of methods for the removal of protecting groups are given below these are similarly not exhaustive. The use of protecting groups and methods of deprotection not specifically mentioned is of course within the scope of the invention.

A carboxy protecting group may be the residue of an ester-forming aliphatic or araliphatic alcohol or of an ester-forming silanol (the said alcohol or silanol preferably containing 1-20 carbon atoms). Examples of carboxy protecting groups include straight or branched chain (1-12C)alkyl groups (e.g. isopropyl, t-butyl); lower alkoxy lower alkyl groups (e.g. methoxymethyl, ethoxymethyl, isobutoxymethyl; lower aliphatic acyloxy lower alkyl groups, (e.g. acetoxymethyl, propionyloxymethyl, butyryloxymethyl, pivaloyloxymethyl); lower alkoxycarbonyloxy lower alkyl groups (e.g. 1-methoxycarbonyloxyethyl, 1-ethoxycarbonyloxyethyl); aryl lower alkyl groups (e.g. p-methoxybenzyl, o-nitrobenzyl, p-nitrobenzyl, benzhydryl and phthalidyl); tri(lower alkyl)silyl groups (e.g. trimethylsilyl and t-butyldimethylsilyl); tri(lower alkyl)silyl lower alkyl groups (e.g. trimethylsilylethyl); and (2-6C)alkenyl groups (e.g. allyl and vinylethyl).

Methods particularly appropriate for the removal of carboxyl protecting groups include for example acid-, metal- or enzymically-catalysed hydrolysis.

Examples of hydroxy protecting groups include lower alkenyl groups (e.g. allyl); lower alkanoyl groups (e.g. acetyl); lower alkoxycarbonyl groups (e.g. t-butoxycarbonyl); lower alkenyloxycarbonyl groups (e.g. allyloxycarbonyl); aryl lower alkoxycarbonyl groups (e.g. benzoyloxycarbonyl, p-methoxybenzyloxycarbonyl, o-nitrobenzyloxycarbonyl, p-nitrobenzyloxycarbonyl); tri lower alkyl/arylsilyl groups (e.g. trimethylsilyl, t-butyldimethylsilyl, t-butyldiphenylsilyl); aryl lower alkyl groups (e.g. benzyl) groups; and triaryl lower alkyl groups (e.g. triphenylmethyl).

Examples of amino protecting groups include formyl, aralkyl groups (e.g. benzyl and substituted benzyl, e.g. p-methoxybenzyl, nitrobenzyl and 2,4-dimethoxybenzyl, and triphenylmethyl); di-p-anisylmethyl and furylmethyl groups; lower alkoxycarbonyl (e.g. t-butoxycarbonyl); lower alkenyloxycarbonyl (e.g. allyloxycarbonyl); aryl lower alkoxycarbonyl groups (e.g. benzyloxycarbonyl, p-metboxybenzyloxycarbonyl, o-nitrobenzyloxycarbonyl, p-nitrobenzyloxycarbonyl; trialkylsilyl (e.g. trimethylsilyl and t-butyldimethylsilyl); alkylidene (e.g. methylidene); benzylidene and substituted benzylidene groups.

Methods appropriate for removal of hydroxy and amino protecting groups include, for example, acid-, base, metal- or enzymically-catalysed hydrolysis, or photolytically for groups such as o-nitrobenzyloxycarbonyl, or with fluoride ions for silyl groups.

Examples of protecting groups for amide groups include aralkoxymethyl (e.g. benzyloxymethyl and substituted benzyloxymethyl); alkoxymethyl (e.g. methoxymethyl and trimethylsilylethoxymethyl); tri alkyl/arylsilyl (e.g. trimethylsilyl, t-butyldimethylsily, t-butyldiphenylsilyl); tri alkyl/arylsilyloxymethyl (e.g. t-butyldimethylsilyloxymethyl,

-   -   t-butyldiphenylsilyloxymethyl); 4-alkoxyphenyl (e.g.         4-methoxyphenyl); 2,4-di(alkoxy)phenyl (e.g.         2,4-dimethoxyphenyl); 4-alkoxybenzyl (e.g. 4-methoxybenzyl);         2,4-di(alkoxy)benzyl (e.g. 2,4-di(methoxy)benzyl); and         alk-1-enyl (e.g. allyl, but-1-enyl and substituted vinyl e.g.         2-phenylvinyl).

Aralkoxymethyl, groups may be introduced onto the amide group by reacting the latter group with the appropriate aralkoxymethyl chloride, and removed by catalytic hydrogenation. Alkoxymethyl, tri alkyl/arylsilyl and tri alkyl/silyloxymethyl groups may be introduced by reacting the amide with the appropriate chloride and removing with acid; or in the case of the silyl containing groups, fluoride ions. The alkoxyphenyl and alkoxybenzyl groups are conveniently introduced by arylation or alkylation with an appropriate halide and removed by oxidation with ceric ammonium nitrate. Finally alk-1-enyl groups may be introduced by reacting the amide with the appropriate aldehyde and removed with acid.

The following examples are for illustration purposes and are not intended to limit the scope of this application. Each exemplified compound represents a particular and independent aspect of the invention. In the following non-limiting Examples, unless otherwise stated:

-   -   (i) evaporations were carried out by rotary evaporation in vacuo         and work-up procedures were carried out after removal of         residual solids such as drying agents by filtration;     -   (ii) operations were carried out at room temperature, that is in         the range 18-25° C. and under an atmosphere of an inert gas such         as argon or nitrogen;     -   (iii) yields are given for illustration only and are not         necessarily the maximum attainable;     -   (iv) the structures of the end-products of the Formula (I) were         confirmed by nuclear (generally proton) magnetic resonance (NMR)         and mass spectral techniques; proton magnetic resonance chemical         shift values were measured on the delta scale and peak         multiplicities are shown as follows: s, singlet; d, doublet; t,         triplet; m, multiplet; br, broad; q, quartet, quin, quintet;     -   (v) intermediates were not generally fully characterised and         purity was assessed by thin layer chromatography (TLC),         high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), infra-red (IR) or         NMR analysis;     -   (vi) chromatography was performed on silica (Merck Silica gel         60, 0.040-0.063 mm, 230-400 mesh); and     -   (vi) Biotage cartridges refer to pre-packed silica cartridges         (from 40 g up to 400 g), eluted using a biotage pump and         fraction collector system; Biotage UK Ltd, Hertford, Herts, UK.

Abbreviations ADDP azodicarbonyl)dipiperidine; DCM dichloromethane; DEAD diethyldiazocarboxylate; DIAD di-i-propyl azodicarboxylate; DIPEA di-isopropyethylamine DMSO dimethyl sulphoxide; DMF dimethylformamide; DtAD di-t-butyl azodicarboxylate; EDAC/EDC 1-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)-3-ethylcarbodiimide hydrochloride; HATU O-(7-azabenzotriazol-1-yl)-N,N,N′,N′- tetramethyluronium hexafluorophosphate; LCMS liquid chromatography/mass spectroscopy; MPLC medium pressure liquid chromatography; RT room temperature; and THF tetrahydrofuran. Generic Methods for alkylation of mono- and di-hydroxy benzoate esters:

The following generic alkylation methods are referred to in the Examples below.

Generic Method A—Synthesis of Symmetrical Diethers (R1═R2)

0Methyl 3,5-dihydroxybenzoate (74.1 g, 0.44M) was dissolved in dimethylformamide (400 ml), potassium carbonate (152 g, 1.0M) added, stirred for 15 mins then 2-chlorobenzylchloride (117 ml, 0.92M) added and heated at 100° C. under an argon atmosphere. After 3 hrs the reaction mixture was cooled to ambient temperature, concentrated in vacuo, diluted with water (800 ml), extracted with ethyl acetate (2×600 ml). The organic extracts were washed with brine (300 ml), dried (MgSO₄), filtered, concentrated in vacuo to yield a brown oil which was triturated with diethyl ether/isohexane to give compound (a) as an off-white solid (195 g, 100%); ¹H nmr (d6-DMSO, δ values): 3.81 (3H, s); 5.18 (4H, s); 6.98 (1H, m); 7.16 (1H, d); 7.36 (4H, m); 7.50 (2H, m); 7.58 (2H, m). Generic Method B—Synthesis of Unsymmetrical Diethers (R1═/R2)

Methyl 3,5-dihydroxybenzoate (16.8 g, 0.1 mol) was dissolved in dimethylformamide (180 ml), powdered potassium carbonate (27.6 g, 0.2 mol) added, followed by 2-iodopropane (10 ml, 0.1 mol), and the resulting suspension stirred overnight at ambient temperature under an argon atmosphere. The reaction mixture was diluted with water (11) and extracted with diethyl ether (2×200 ml). The organic extracts were washed sequentially with water and brine, dried (MgSO₄), filtered and concentrated in vacuo to yield a pale golden oil which was triturated with toluene and filtered to remove unreacted ether starting material. The filtrate was concentrated in vacuo and the residue chromatographed (2×90 g Biotage cartridges, eluting with isohexane containing ethyl acetate (10% v/v increasing to 15% v/v) to give methyl 3-hydroxy 5-isopropyloxy benzoate as a colourless solid (5.3 g, 25%); ¹H nmr (d6-DMSO, δ values): 1.2 (6H, d); 3.8 (3H, s); 4.6 (1H, hept); 6.55 (1H, m); 6.85 (1H, m); 6.95 (1H, m); 9.8 (1H, s).

Methyl 3-hydroxy 5-isopropyloxy benzoate (1.5 g, 7.2 mmol) was dissolved in dimethylformamide (10 ml), potassium carbonate (2.5 g, 18 mmol) added, followed by 2-bromobutane (1.2 ml, 11 mmol), and the resulting suspension stirred for 7 hours at 80 deg C. under an argon atmosphere. The reaction mixture was cooled to ambient temperature, diluted with hexane/ethyl acatate (1:1 v/v) and washed sequentially with water and brine, dried (MgSO₄), filtered and concentrated in vacuo to yield a colourless oil which was chromatographed (flash column on silica (20 g), eluting with isohexane containing ethyl acetate (5% v/v) to give methyl 3-(2-butyloxy) 5-isopropyloxy benzoate as a colourless oil (1.06 g); ¹H nmr (d6-DMSO, δ values): 0.9 (3H, t); 1.2 (3H, d+6H, d); 1.6 (2 h, m); 3.85 (3H, s); 4.4 (1H, hept); 4.55 (1H, hept); 6.7 (1H, m); 7.0 (2H, m); m/z 267 (M+H)+. Generic Method C—Synthesis of Unsymmetrical Diethers (R1═/R2):

Methyl 3-hydroxy 5-isopropyloxy benzoate (0.5 g, 2.4 mmol) was dissolved in dichloromethane (10 ml) and cooled to 0 deg C. whilst stirring under an argon atmosphere; the solution was treated sequentially with triphenyl phosphine (Polymer supported, 1.19 g, 3.6 mmol), furfuryl alcohol (0.23 ml, 2.7 mmol) and di-t-butyl azodicarboxylate (DtAD, 0.082 g, 3.5 mmol) added dropwise in dichloromethane (4 ml), and the resulting solution stirred for 1.5 hours. The reaction was monitored by hplc and further reagents were added until the starting phenol was consumed—total reagents added were triphenyl phosphine (Polymer supported, 2.38 g, 3 eq), furfuryl alcohol (0.53 ml, 2.5 eq) and DtAD (1.64 g, 3 eq). The reaction mixture was concentrated in vacuo and purified by chromatography (flash column on silica, eluting with isohexane containing ethyl acetate (5% v/v) to give methyl 3-(2-furyl methoxy) 5-isopropyloxy benzoate as a colourless oil, (0.225 g); ¹H nmr (d6-DMSO, δ values): 1.25 (6H, d); 3.85 (3H, s); 4.65 (1H, hept); 5.1 (2H, s); 6.45 (1H, m); 6.6 (1H, m); 6.85 (1H, m); 7.05 (1H, m); 7.15 (1H, m) 7.75 (1H, m). Generic Method D—Synthesis of Unsymmetrical Diethers:

Di-i-propyl azodicarboxylate (DtAD, 0.74 ml, 3.7 mM) was added to methyl (5-isopropoxy-3-methanol)-benzoate (0.56 g, 2.5 mM), triphenylphosphine (0.98 g, 3.7 mM) and 2-fluorophenol (0.24 ml, 2.7 mM) in DCM (40 ml) under argon at ambient temperature. After 10 mins concentrated, purified on silica gel (10-15% EtOAc/iso-hexane) gave the title compound as a pale yellow oil, which solidified under high-vacuum (0.71 g, 90%); ¹H NMR δ (d₆-DMSO): 1.26 (d, 6H), 3.82 (s, 3H), 4.64 (m, 1H), 5.21 (s, 2H), 6.92 (m, 1H), 7.09 (m, 1H), 7.16-7.26 (m, 3H), 7.35 (s, 1H), 7.58 (s, 1H).

The above generic methods are for illustration only; it will be appreciated that alternative conditions that may optionally be used include: use of alternative solvents (such as acetone or tetrahydrofuran), alternative stoichiometries of reagents, alternative reaction temperatures and alternative methods of purification. All analytical data (NMR and/or MS) were consistent with the proposed structures.

EXAMPLE A Route 1: 2-[3,5-Di-(2-chlorobenzyloxy)benzoyl)amino]-thiazole

Diisopropylethylamine (DIPEA, 0.34 ml, 2.0 mM) then N,N-dimethylaminopyridine (DMAP, 12 mg, 0.1 mM) were added to a solution of 2-aminothiazole (0.10 g, 1.0 mM) and 3,5-di-(2-chlorobenzyloxy) benzoic acid chloride (0.42 g, 1.0 mM) in dichloromethane (10 ml) under argon at ambient temperature. After 80 mins the reaction mixture was filtered, washed with dichloromethane and dried under high vacuum to give the title compound as a colourless solid (0.20 g, 41%); ¹H NMR δ (d₆-DMSO): 5.24 (4H, s); 6.93 (1H, s); 7.26 (1H, d); 7.36-7.43 (6H, m); 7.50 (2H, m); 7.55 (1H, d); 7.61 (2H, m); 12.60 (1H, br s).

Alternative conditions that may optionally be used include: use of an alternative solvent, such as tetrahydrofuran; use of pyridine as solvent, with or without the addition of DMAP or DIPEA; dissolving the acid chloride component in the solvent of choice, and adding the amine component to it.

The requisite 3,5-Di-(2-chlorobenzyloxy) benzoic acid chloride starting material, compound (c), was prepared as follows:

Methyl 3,5-dihydroxybenzoate (74.1 g, 0.44M) was dissolved in dimethylformamide (400 ml), potassium carbonate (152 g, 1.10M) added, stirred for 15 mins then 2-chlorobenzylchloride (117 ml, 0.92M) added and heated at 100° C. under an argon atmosphere. After 3 hrs the reaction mixture was cooled to ambient temperature, concentrated in vacuo, diluted with water (800 ml), extracted with ethyl acetate (2×600 ml). The organic extracts were washed with brine (300 ml), dried (MgSO₄), filtered, concentrated in vacuo to yield a brown oil which was triturated with diethyl ether/isohexane to give compound (a) as an off-white solid (195 g, 100%); ¹H nmr (d6-DMSO, δ values): 3.81 (3H, s); 5.18 (4H, s); 6.98 (1H, m); 7.16 (1H, d); 7.36 (4H, m); 7.50 (2H, m); 7.58 (2H, m).

2M Sodium hydroxide (700 ml, 1.40M) was added to a solution of compound (a), methyl 3,5-di-(2-chlorobenzyloxy) benzoate, (195 g, 0.45M) in methanol (600 ml)/tetrahydrofuran (150 ml) and stirred for 6 hrs at 55° C. The organics were then removed in vacuo, acidified to pH 3-4 with concentrated hydrochloric acid, the precipitate filtered, washed with water and dried under high-vacuum at 60° C. Compound (b) was obtained as a colourless solid (.2/3NaCl) (199 g, 100%); ¹H nmr (d6-DMSO, δ values): 5.18 (4H, s); 6.93 (1H, m); 7.15 (1H, d); 7.37 (4H, m); 7.49 (2H, m); 7.58 (2H, m).

Oxalyl chloride (7.91 ml, 91 mM) was added to a suspension of compound (b), 3,5-di-(2-chlorobenzyloxy) benzoic acid.2/3NaCl (18.3 g, 45.4 mM) in dichloromethane (500 ml) containing dimethylformamide (4 drops) under argon at ambient temperature. After 16 hrs the reaction mixture was filtered under argon, concentrated in vacuo then azeotroped with toluene (2×) to give the title compound as an off-white solid (17.5 g, 100%); ¹H nmr (d6-DMSO, δ values): 5.18 (4H, s); 6.94 (1H, m); 7.16 (1H, d); 7.35 (4H, m); 7.50 (2H, m); 7.58 (2H, m).

EXAMPLE B Route 2a: 2-[3,5-di-(2-chlorobenzyloxy)benzoyl]aminothiazole-5-carboxylic acid

A solution of ethyl 2-[3,5-di-(2-chlorobenzyloxy)benzoyl]aminothiazole-5-carboxylate (158 mg, 0.28 mmol) in THF (2 ml) was treated with sodium hydroxide solution (0.57 ml of 2M, 1.4 mmol), and the reaction stirred at 40-50 deg C., until complete hydrolysis was achieved (with tlc monitoring, approximate reaction time 2 hrs). The resulting solution was cooled, diluted with water (5 ml) and acidified to pH1 using c.HCl. The precipitate thus formed was filtered off, washed (water) and dried to give the title compound as a colourless solid, 130 mg, ¹H NMR δ (d₆-DMSO): 5.25 (4H, s); 7.0 (1H, s); 7.4 (6H, m); 7.5 (2H, m); 7.6 (2H,m); 8.2 (1H, d).

The requisite starting material was prepared by a route analogous to that given in Example A.

EXAMPLE C Route 2b: [3,5-di-(2-chlorobenzyloxy)benzoyl]aminobenzene-3-carboxylic acid

A suspension of methyl [3,5-di-(2-chlorobenzyloxy)benzoyl]aminobenzene-3-carboxylate (455 mg, 1.04 mmol) in THF was treated with sodium hydroxide solution (0.85 ml of 2M, 1.7 mmol), and the reaction stirred at ambient temperature, with tlc monitoring. Methanol (3 drops) and further additions of sodium hydroxide solution (2×0.85 ml of 2M, 3.4 mmol) were made, until complete hydrolysis was achieved. The resulting solution was diluted with water (30 ml) and acidified to pH1 (2M HCl); the precipitate thus formed was filtered off, washed (water) and dried to give the title compound as a colourless solid, 328 mg, ¹H NMR δ (d₆-DMSO): 5.25 (4H, s); 7.0 (1H, s); 7.4 (6H, m); 7.5 (2H, m); 7.6 (2H,m); 8.2 (1H, d).

The requisite methyl ester starting material was prepared by a method analogous to that given in Example A.

EXAMPLE D Route 3: 2-[3,5-Di-(2-chlorobenzyloxy)benzoyl]amino-4-methyl aminomethyl thiazole

2-[3,5-Di-(2-chlorobenzyloxy)benzoyl)amino]-4-chloromethylthiazole (56 mg, 0.10 mM) was dissolved in 33% methylamine in methylated spirit (4 ml) and stirred at ambient temperature for 16 hrs. The reaction mixture was concentrated in vacuo, triturated with methanol, filtered and dried under high-vacuum to give the title compound as a colourless solid (30 mg, 57%); ¹H nmr (d6-DMSO, δ values): 2.63 (3H, m); 4.16 (2H, m); 5.24 (4H, s); 6.99 (1H, s); 7.38-7.44 (7H, m); 7.52 (2H, m); 7.62 (2H, m); 9.06 (1H, br s); 12.75 (1H, br s).

2-[3,5-Di-(2-chlorobenzyloxy)benzoyl)amino]-4-chloromethylthiazole was prepared from 3,5-di-(2-chlorobenzyloxy) benzoyl chloride (prepared according to the method described in Example A) and 2-amino 4-chloromethyl-thiazole (JACS, 1946, 68, 2155; prepared by route 1 described in Example A).

EXAMPLE E Route 4: 2-[3,5-Di-(2-chlorobenzyloxy)benzoyl)amino]-6-aminobenzothiazole

2-[3,5-Di-(2-chlorobenzyloxy)benzoyl)amino]-6-nitrobenzothiazole (235 mg, 0.40 mM) was dissolved in ethyl acetate (40 ml), ethanol (20 ml) and dimethylformamide (5 ml). 5% Palladium on carbon (46 mg) was added under an argon atmosphere then the reaction mixture stirred under a hydrogen atmosphere for 16 hrs. The reaction mixture was filtered through celite, concentrated in vacuo, triturated with methanol to give the title compound as a pale yellow solid (140 mg, 63%); ¹H nmr (d6-DMSO, δ values): 5.19 (2H, br s); 5.23 (4H, s); 6.72 (1H, dd); 6.93 (1H, m); 7.03 (1H, m); 7.35-7.44 (7H, m); 7.51 (2H, m); 7.61 (2H, m); 12.46 (1H, br s).

2-[3,5-Di-(2-chlorobenzyloxy)benzoyl)amino]-6-nitrobenzothiazole was prepared from 3,5-di-(2-chlorobenzyloxy) benzoyl chloride (prepared according to the method described in Example A) and 2-amino-6-nitrobenzothiazole (prepared by route 1 described in Example A). ¹H nmr (d6-DMSO, δ values): 5.27 (4H, s); 7.03 (1H, s); 7.38-7.46 (4H, m); 7.49-7.55 (4H, m); 7.65 (2H, m); 7.93 (1H, d); 8.30 (1H, dd); 9.09 (1H, m); 13.28 (1H, br s).

EXAMPLE F Route 5: 5-[3,5-Di-(2-chlorobenzyloxy)benzoyl)amino]-[1,3,4]thiadiazole-2-sulfonic acid

5-[3,5-Di-(2-chlorobenzyloxy)benzoyl)amino]-[1,3,4]thiadiazole-2-thiol (200 mg, 0.38 mM) was suspended in 2M NaOH (5 ml), cooled (ice bath) and 30% aqueous hydrogen peroxide (0.16 ml, 1.54 mM) added dropwise then allowed to warm to ambient temperature. After 40 hrs the reaction mixture was filtered, washed with water then methanol and dried under high-vacuum to give the title compound as a colourless solid (122 mg, 57%); ¹H nmr (d6-DMSO, δ values): 5.20 (4H, s); 6.68 (1H, m); 7.37 (4H, m); 7.45 (2H, m); 7.50 (2H, m); 7.62 (2H, m). MS (M−H⁺)⁻564, 566.

5-[3,5-Di-(2-chlorobenzyloxy)benzoyl)amino]-[1,3,4]thiadiazole-2-thiol was prepared from 3,5-di-(2-chlorobenzyloxy) benzoyl chloride and 5-amino-[1,3,4]thiadiazole-2-thiol (Maybridge) by route 1 as described in Example A. ¹H nmr (d₆-DMSO, δ values): 5.21 (4H, s); 6.98 (1H, m); 7.34-7.40 (6H, m); 7.50 (2H, m); 7.59 (2H, m). MS (M−H⁺)⁻516, 518.

EXAMPLE G Route 6: 2-[(3-isopropyloxy-5-(2-chlorobenzylamino)benzoyl)amino]-5-thiazolecarboxylic acid

2-Chlorobenzaldehyde (0.012 ml, 0.11 mM) was added to 2-[(3-isopropoxy-5-aminobenzoyl)amino]-5-thiazolecarboxylic acid (29 mg 0.09 mM) and 4A molecular sieves (90 mg) in methanol under an inert atmosphere at room temperature. After 1 hr sodium cyanoborohydride (7 mg, 0.11 mM) was added and the reaction mixture stirred for 16 hrs. The reaction mixture was filtered, concentrated in vacuo, the residue stirred with water then extracted with ethyl acetate (3×10 ml). The organic extracts were washed with brine (20 ml), dried (MgSO₄), filtered and concentrated in vacuo to give the title compound as a pale yellow solid (22 mg, 55%); ¹H nmr (d6-DMSO, δ values): 1.22 (6H, d); 4.36 (2H, m); 4.58 (1H, m); 6.24 (1H, s); 6.47 (1H, m); 6.84 (2H, m); 7.26 (3H, m); 7.37 (2H, m); 7.45 (1H, m); 7.76 (1H, br s). MS [M-CO₂H]⁻400, 402.

2-[(3-isopropyloxy-5-aminobenzoyl)amino]-5-thiazolecarboxylic acid was prepared as follows:

3-Nitro-5-hydroxy benzoic acid (6.1 g, 33.3 mM) was dissolved in methanol (150 ml), concentrated sulfuric acid (2.0 ml) was added, and the solution stirred at room temperature for 5 days. The reaction mixture was concentrated in vacuo, saturated aqueous sodium hydrogencarbonate (60 ml) added cautiously and the aqueous layer extracted with ethyl acetate (200 ml). The organic layer was washed with brine (80 ml), dried (MgSO₄), filtered and concentrated in vacuo to give compound (d) as a pale yellow solid (6.0 g, 91%); ¹H nmr (d6-DMSO, δ values): 3.85 (3H, s); 7.67 (1H, m); 7.75 (1H, m); 8.05 (1H, m); 10.88 (1H, br s).

2-Iodopropane (0.54 ml, 5.4 mM) was added to a solution of methyl 3-nitro-5-hydroxy benzoate (1.06 g, 5.4 mM) and potassium carbonate (1.12 g, 8.1 mM) in dimethylformamide (15 ml) under an argon atmosphere at room temperature. The reaction mixture was heated at 60° C. for 1 hr then additional 2-iodopropane (0.32 ml, 3.2 mM) added and heating continued for a further 1 hr. The reaction mixture was then concentrated in vacuo, water (50 ml) and ethyl acetate (100 ml) added. The organic layer was separated and washed with brine (40 ml), dried (MgSO₄) filtered, concentrated in vacuo to give compound (e) as a mobile brown oil; ¹H nmr (d6-DMSO, δ values): 1.30 (6H, s); 3.90 (3H, s); 4.84 (1H, m); 7.76 (1H, m); 7.89 (1H, m); 8.16 (1H, m).

2M Sodium hydroxide (12.3 ml, 24.7 mM) was added to a solution of methyl (3-nitro-5-isopropoxy) benzoic acid (1.18 g, 4.9 mM) in methanol (60 ml) and stirred for 5 hrs at room temperature. The reaction mixture was then concentrated in vacuo, acidified to pH 1-2 with 2M hydrochloric acid, the precipitate filtered, washed with water and dried under high-vacuum over silica gel. Compound (f) was obtained as an off-white solid (1.04 g, 94%); ¹H nmr (d6-DMSO, δ values): 1.30 (6H, s); 4.81 (1H, m); 7.74 (1H, m); 7.85 (1H, m); 8.14 (1H, m). MS (M−H⁺)⁻224.

Oxalyl chloride (0.75 ml, 8.6 mM) was added to 3-nitro-5-isopropoxy benzoic acid (1.03 g, 4.3 mM) in dichloromethane (50 ml) containing dimethylformamide (2 drops) under an argon atmosphere at room temperature. After 3 hrs the reaction mixture was concentrated in vacuo and azeotroped with toluene to give an orange oil which was dissolved in dichloromethane (40 ml). Ethyl 2-aminothiazole-5-carboxylate (0.89 g, 5.1 mM), diisopropylethylamine (1.77 g, 10.3 mM) and N,N-dimethylaminopyridine (50 mg, 0.43 mM) were added and stirred for 1 hr under an argon atmosphere. After which the reaction mixture was concentrated in vacuo then the pale brown residue purified on silica gel using 15 to 20% ethyl acetate/isohexane as eluant. Compound (g) was obtained as a pale yellow solid (1.56 g, 92%); ¹H nmr (d6-DMSO, δ values): 1.32 (6H, d); 4.88 (1H, m); 7.87 (1H, s); 8.05 (1H, s); 8.14 (1H, s); 8.45 (1H, s).

10% Palladium on carbon (20 mg) was added under an argon atrnosphere to a solution of ethyl 2-[(3-isopropoxy-5-nitro)benzoylamino]-5-thiazolecarboxylate (209 mg, 0.53 mM) in ethyl acetate (35 ml). Hydrogen gas was introduced and the reaction mixture stirred vigorously for 18 hrs before filtering through celite and concentration in vacuo to give compound (h) as pale yellow solid (160 mg, 83%); ¹H nmr (d6-DMSO, δ values): 1.25 (6H, d); 1.29 (3H, t); 4.28 (2H, q); 4.58 (1H, m); 5.31 (2H, br s); 6.33 (1H, m); 6.81 (1H, m); 6.87 (1H, s); 8.17 (1H, s).

2M Sodium hydroxide (0.3 ml, 0.57 mM) was added to a solution of ethyl 2-[(3-isopropoxy-5-amino)benzoylamino]-5-thiazolecarboxylate (40 mg, 0.11 mM) in tetrahydrofuran (1.2 ml)/methanol (0.5 ml) and heated at 50° C. for 5 hrs then at room temperature overnight. The reaction mixture was then concentrated in vacuo, acidified to pH 4-5 with 2M hydrochloric acid, the precipitate filtered, washed with water and dried under high-vacuum over silica gel. Compound (k) was obtained as a red-brown solid (35 mg, 100%); ¹H nmr (d6-DMSO, δ values): 1.27 (6H, d); 4.63 (1H, m); 6.58 (1H, s); 7.05 (1H, s); 7.16 (1H, s); 8.14 (1H, s).

EXAMPLE H Route 7: 2-[(3,5-dibenzyloxybenzoyl)amino]-5-aminopyridine

To a stirred solution of 2-[(3,5-dibenzyloxybenzoyl)amino]-5-nitropyridine (910 mg) in DMF (6 ml) was added Zinc dust (1300 mg) and a solution of ferric chloride hexahydrate (1700 mg) in water (6 ml). The resulting mixture was stirred at 120° C. for three hours. Allowed to cool to ambient temperature. The mixture was extracted with ethyl acetate. The extract was washed with water (50 ml), brine (50 ml), dried over MgSO₄, then volatile material was removed by evaporation to leave a solid, which was dried under high vacuum for 24 hours at 100° C. to give the title compound (518 mg) as a solid, ¹H NMR δ (d₆-DMSO): 5.17 (m, 6H), 6.80 (s, 1H), 7.00 (d, 1H), 7.26 to 7.46 (m, 12H), 7.71 (s, 1H), 7.78 (d, 1H), 10.28 (br s, 1H). MS ES⁺426.52 (M+H)⁺.

The requisite 6-[(3,5-dibenzyloxybenzoyl)amino]-3-nitropyridine starting material was prepared by a method analogous to that given in Example A (route 1), starting from 2-amino-5-nitropyridine; ¹H NMR δ (d₆-DMSO): 5.18 (s, 4H), 6.90 (s, 1H), 7.29-7.50 (m, 12H), 8.42 (d, 1H), 8.64 (d, 1H), 9.23 (s, 1H), 11.46 (brs, 1H). MS ES⁺456.12 (M+H)⁺.

EXAMPLE I Route 8: N-{6-[3,5-dibenzyloxybenzoyl)amino]-pyridin-3-yl}-2-acetoxy-2-methyl-propionamide

To a stirred solution of 2-[(3,5-dibenzyloxybenzoyl)amino]-5-aminopyridine (200 mg) in THF (2 ml) and pyridine (2 ml) was added a solution of 2-acetoxyisobutyryl chloride (98 mg) in THF (1 ml). The mixture was stirred at ambient temperature for 16 hours. Volatile material was removed by evaporation. The residue was dissolved in ethyl acetate (50 ml), washed with water (25 ml), brine (25 ml), dried over MgSO₄. Volatile material was removed by evaporation to leave a gum which was triturated under ether to give the title compound (211 mg) as a solid, ¹H NMR δ (d₆-DMSO): 1.55 (s, 6H), 2.08 (s, 3H), 5.18 (s, 4H), 6.85 (s, 1H), 7.29 to 7.50 (m, 12H), 7.78 (dd, 1H), 8.13 (d, 1H), 8.61 (s, 1H), 9.70 (s, 1H), 10.72 (s, 1H). MS ES⁻552.22 (M−H)⁻.

EXAMPLE J Route 9: N-{6-[(3,5-dibenzyloxybenzoyl)amino]-pyridin-3-yl}-2-hydroxy-2-methyl-propionamide

To a stirred suspension of N-{6-[(3,5-dibenzyloxybenzoyl)amino]-pyridin-3-yl}-2-acetoxy-2-methyl-propionamide (158 mg) in methanol (10 ml) was added a solution of LiOH.H2O (30 mg) in water (1 ml) and THF (3 ml). The mixture was stirred at ambient temperature for 20 hours. Volatile material was removed by evaporation. To the residue was added water (10 ml). Made acidic with 2M hydrochloric acid. Precipitate filtered off, washed with ethyl acetate, and dried under high vacuum to give the title compound (120 mg) as a solid, ¹H NMR δ (d₆-DMSO): 1.35 (s, 6H), 5.18 (s,4H), 6.88 (s,1H), 7.28 to 7.48 (m, 12H), 8.08 (d, 1H), 8.22 (d, 1H), 8.82 (s,1H), 9.90 (s, 1H), 10.96 (s, 1H). MS ES⁺512.16 (M+H)⁺.

EXAMPLE K Route 10: 3,5-dibenzyloxy-N-(5-{[(tert-butylamino)carbonyl]amino}pyridin-2-yl)benzamide

A solution of tert-butyl isocyanate (51 mg) in THF (5 ml) was treated with 2-[(3,5-dibenzyloxybenzoyl)amino]-5-aminopyridine (212 mg), and stirred at ambient temperature for 24 hours. More tert-butyl isocyanate (0.34 ml) added, and stirring continued at ambient temperature for a further 4 days. Volatile material was removed by evaporation and the residue was triturated under methanol to give the title compound (159 mg) as a solid, ¹H NMR δ (d₆-DMSO): 1.30 (s, 9H), 5.18 (s, 4H), 6.09 (s, 1H), 6.85 (s, 1H), 7.32 to 7.50 (m, 12H), 7.78 (dd, 1H), 8.04 (d, 1H), 8.38 (s, 1H), 8.44 (s, 1H), 10.65 (s, 1H). MS ES⁺525.61 (M+H)⁺.

EXAMPLE L Route 11: 3,5-di(2-cyanobenzyloxy)-N-{5-[(2-methoxyethyl)amino]pyridin-2-yl}benzamide

To a stirred solution of tert-butyl 6-({3,5-di(2-cyanobenzyloxy)benzoyl}amino)pyridin-3-yl(2-methoxyethyl)carbamate (237 mg) in dichloromethane (10 ml) was added trifluoroacetic acid (3 ml). The solution was stirred at ambient temperature for three hours. Volatile material was removed by evaporation. The residue was diluted in DCM (100 ml), washed with 2M sodium Hydroxide (50 ml), brine (50 ml), dried over MgSO₄. Volatile material was removed by evaporation to give the title compound (190 mg) as a foam, ¹H NMR δ (d₆-DMSO): 3.22 (t, 2H), 3.28 (2, 3H), 3.50 (t, 2H), 5.31 (s, 4H), 6.92 (s, 1H), 7.12 (dd, 1H), 7.34 (s, 2H), 7.57 (m, 2H), 7.75 (m, 5H), 7.82 (d, 1H), 7.91 (d, 2H), 10.49 (br s, 1H). MS ES⁺534.41 (M+H)⁺.

The requisite starting materials were prepared as follows:

Preparation of tert-butyl 2-nitropyridin-5-yl(2-methoxyethyl)carbamate

To a suspension of Cs₂CO₃ (1430 mg) in toluene was added 2-nitro-5-bromopyridine (406 mg), Pd(Ac)₂ (44 mg), 1,1-bis(diphenylphosphino)ferrocene (322 mg) and 2-methyloxyethyl amine (0.26 ml). The mixture was stirred at 85° C., under Nitrogen, for 16 hours. Allowed to cool to ambient temperature. Diluted with ethyl acetate (100 ml), and filtered through a celite plug. Volatile material was removed by evaporation, the residue was purified by flash chromatography on silica, eluted with 50-100% ethyl acetate in hexane to give a solid which was added to a solution of di-tert-butyl-dicarbonate (436 mg) and N-dimethyl-aminopyridine (cat) in THF (10 ml). The solution was stirred for 14 hours at 75° C. Allowed to cool to ambient temperature, then the volatile material was removed by evaporation. The residue was dissolved in ethyl acetate (100 ml), washed with water (50 ml), brine (50 ml), dried over MgSO₄. Volatile material was removed by evaporation, the residue was purified by flash chromatography on silica, eluted with 20-40% ethyl acetate in hexane to give the title compound (359 mg) as a gum, ¹H NMR δ (CDCL₃): 1.49 (s, 9H), 3.33 (s, 6H), 3.62 (t, 2H), 3.86 (t, 2H), 8.06 (dd, 1H), 8.21 (d, 1H), 8.65 (s, 1H). MS ES⁺298.35 (M+H)⁺.

Preparation of tert-butyl 2-aminopyridin-5-yl(2-methoxyethyl)carbamate

To a solution of tert-butyl 2-(6-nitropyridin-3-yl)-4-methoxybutanoate (350 mg) in ethanol (20 ml) and ethyl acetate (20 ml) was added 10% Palladium on carbon (100 mg). The suspension was stirred at ambient temperature for 16 hours under Hydrogen. Filtered through celite, then volatile material removed by evaporation to give the title compound (299 mg) as a solid, ¹H NMR δ (d₆-DMSO): 1.32 (brs, 9H), 3.18 (s, 3H), 3.34 (t, 2H), 3.56 (t, 2H), 5.84 (s, 2H), 6.37 (d, 1H), 7.17 (dd, 1H), 7.70 (d, 1H). MS ES⁺268.34 (M+H)⁺.

EXAMPLE M Route 12: N-(5-aminopyridin-2-yl)-3-[(2-chlorobenzyl)oxy]-5-[(2-cyanobenzyl)oxy]benzamide

The title compound was prepared from N-(5-nitropyridin-2-yl)-3-[(2-chlorobenzyl)oxy]-5-[(2-cyanobenzyl)oxy]benzamide using a method similar to that described in Route 7.

The requisite starting materials were prepared as follows:

Preparation of 3-{[(5-nitropyridin-2-yl)amino]carbonyl}-5-[(2-cyanobenzyl)oxy]phenyl acetate

To a stirred solution of 3-acetoxy,5-(2-cyanobenzyloxy)benzoic acid (8760 mg) in THF (100 ml) was added Oxalyl chloride (3.6 ml) and DMF (0.5 ml). The mixture was stirred at ambient temperature for 3 hours. Volatile material was removed by evaporation. The residue was dissolved in a mixture of THF (60 ml) and pyridine (40 ml). 2-amino-5-nitropyridine (3919 mg) added. The stirred mixture was heated to 55° C. for 16 hours. Volatile material was removed by evaporation to leave a gum which was purified by flash chromatography on silica eluted with 1-5% ethyl acetate in hexane to give the title compound (6200 mg) as a solid, ¹H NMR δ (d₆-DMSO): 2.29 (s, 3H), 5.37 (s, 2H), 7.17 (s, 1H), 7.45 (s, 1H), 7.58 (m, 1H), 7.70 (s ,1H), 7.76 (m, 2H), 7.92 (d, 1H), 8.40 (d, 1H), 8.65 (dm, 1H), 9.21 (m, 1H), 11.57 (s, 1H). MS ES⁺433.48 (M+H)⁺.

Preparation of N-(5-nitropyridin-2-yl)-3-[(2-cyanobenzyl)oxy]-5-hydroxybenzamide

A suspension of 3-{[(5-nitropyridin-2-yl)amino]carbonyl}-5-[(2-cyanobenzyl)oxy]phenyl acetate (5710 mg) in THF (35 ml) was treated with 25% NaOMe in methanol (6 ml). Stirred at ambient temperature for 30 minutes. Acidified with 2 m hydrochloric acid (25 ml), then extracted with ethyl acetate (100 ml). The extract was washed with water (50 ml), brine (50 ml), dried over MgSO₄. Volatile material was removed by evaporation to give a solid. This was washed with hot methanol to give the title compound (4358 mg) as a solid, LCMS rt=2.38 min (90.5%). ES⁺391.45 (M+H)⁺.

Preparation of N-(5-nitropyridin-2-yl)-3-[(2-chlorobenzyl)oxy]-5-[(2-cyanobenzyl)oxy]benzamide

A solution of N-(5-nitropyridin-2-yl)-3-[(2-cyanobenzyl)oxy]-5-hydroxybenzamide (195 mg) in DMF (3 ml) was treated with Ag₂CO₃ (165 mg) and 2-Chlorobenzyl bromide (0.073 ml). Heated to 85° C. and stirred for 17 hours under Nitrogen. Allowed to cool to ambient temperature. Water (25 ml) added. Extracted with ethyl acetate (50 ml), washed with brine (25 ml), dried over MgSO₄. Volatile material was removed by evaporation to give a solid, which was purified by flash chromatography on silica eluted with 0-5% ethyl acetate in dichloromethane to give the title compound (43 mg) as a solid, ¹H NMR δ (d₆-DMSO): 5.20 (s,2H), 5.33 (s, 2H), 6.96 (s, 1H), 7.40 (m, 5H), 7.57 (m,2H), 7.72 (m, 2H), 7.90 (d, 1H), 8.40 (d, 1H), 8.64 (dd, 1H), 9.22 (s, 1H), 11.50 (s ,1H). LCMS rt=3.27 min (97.4%), ES⁺515.50 (M+H)⁺.

EXAMPLE N Route 13: 6-{[3,5-Di-(benzyloxy)benzoyl]amino}-N-[2-(dimethylamino)ethyl]nicotinamide

Diisopropylethylamine (DIPEA, 0.23 ml, 1.3 mM) then 1-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)-3-ethyl-carbodiimide (EDC, 126 mg, 0.66 mM) were added to a solution of 2-dimethylaminoethylamine (0.57 ml, 0.53 mM) and 6-{[3,5-Di-(benzyloxy)benzoyl]amino}nicotinic acid (0.20 g, 0.44 mM) in dichloromethane (10 ml) under argon at ambient temperature. After 16 hours the reaction mixture was evaporated in vacuo and then chromatographed on SiO₂ using a gradient elution of 10 to 25% methanol in dichloromethane. The fractions containing product were evaporated to give a cream solid (0.052 g, 25%); ¹H NMR δ (d₆-DMSO): 2.67 (6H, s); 3.11 (2H, m); 3.62 (2H, m); 5.18 (4H, s); 6.88 (1H, s); 7.27-7.52 (12H, br m); 8.18-8.36 (2H, m); 8.90 (1H, s); 10.20 (1H, br s).

EXAMPLE O Route 14: 2-[3,5-Di-(2-chlorobenzyloxy) benzoylamino]-5-hydroxymethyl pyridine

To a cold (−15 degC.) solution of 2-[3,5-Di-(2-chlorobenzyloxy)benzoyl)amino]-pyridine-5-carboxylic acid (305 mg, 0.59 mmol) in dimethoxy ethane (5 ml) was added 4-methyl morpholine (80 μl, 1 eq) and isobutyl chloroformate (76 μl, 1.02 eq). The reaction mixture was stirred at −15 deg C. for 15 mins and then filtered; the residue was washed with dimethoxy ethane (5×1 ml). The filtrate and washings were cooled to −15 deg C. and treated with a suspension of sodium borohydride (22 mg, 1 eq) in water (1 ml). After the effervescence had ceased, water (50 ml) and ethyl acetate (30 ml) were added; the reaction mixture was eveporated to dryness and the residue absorbed onto silica. The required compound was isolated by flash chromatography (eluting with 5% methanol in dichloromethane) to give the title compound as a colourless solid (97 mg), ¹H NMR δ (d₆-DMSO): 4.5 (1H, d), 5.25 (s, 4H), 6.9 (s, 1H), 7.40 (m, 6H), 7.5 (m, 2H), 7.6 (m, 2H), 7.75 (dd, 1H), 8.10 (d, 1H), 8.3 (s, 1H), 10.8 (br s, 1H); LCMS rt=3.25 min (100%), ES⁺509 (M+H)⁺.

EXAMPLE P Route 15: N-{6-[3,5-di-(2-chlorobenzyloxybenzoyl)amino]-pyridin-2-yl}-2-acetamide

To a solution of 2-[(3,5-di-(2-chlorobenzyloxybenzoyl)amino]-6-aminopyridine (220 mg, 0.45 mmol) in tetrahydrofuran (4 ml) was added pyridine (43 mg, 0.54 mmol) and acetyl chloride (42 mg, 0.54 mmol), and the reaction mixture stirred at ambient temperature for 16 hours. The reaction mixture was diluted with diethyl ether and washed successively with water, 1M citric acid, and water; the solution was dried over magnesium sulfate and the solvent removed in vacuo to give a yellow solid (154 mg). Trituration with methanol gave the title compound (75 mg), ¹H NMR δ (d₆-DMSO): 3.3 (3H, s), 5.25 (s, 4H), 6.95 (s, 1H), 7.3 (d, 2H), 7.4 (m, 4H), 7.5 (m, 2H), 7.6 (m, 2H), 7.7 (m, 1H), 7.8 (m, 2H),10.14 (br s, 1H), 10.36 (br s, 1H); ES⁺536/538 (M+H)⁺.

The starting material, 2-[(3,5-di-(2-chlorobenzyloxybenzoyl)amino]-6-aminopyridine, is exemplified herein as Example number 106.

EXAMPLE Q Route 16: 3,5-bis(benzyloxy)-N-[5-(1H-tetraazol-5-yl)pyridin-2-yl]benzamide

Tributyltin azide (156 μL, 0.57 mmol) was added to a suspension of 3,5-bis(benzyloxy)-N-(5-cyanopyridin-2-yl)benzamide (180 mg, 0.41 mmol) in toluene (3 mL). The mixture was heated at reflux for 16 hours. The suspension was cooled and partitioned between ethyl acetate and hydrochloric acid (1M). The organic layer was concentrated in vacuo and the residue was purified by MPLC on silica MPLC (eluting with 1% methanol/DCM to 15% methanol/DCM). The tetrazole was obtained as a colourless solid (113 mg, 57%). ¹H NMR δ (d₆-DMSO): 5.19 (4H, s); 6.88 (1H, s); 7.26-7.48 (12H, m); 8.40 (1H, d); 8.46 (1H, dd); 9.04 (1H, s); 11.13 (1H, br s); m/z (LCMS; ESI+) 479 (MH⁺).

The requisite starting material was prepared as follows:

Preparation of 3,5-bis(benzyloxy)-N-(5-cyanopyridin-2-yl)benzamide

The title compound was prepared as described in Example A (route 1), starting from 2-amino-5-cyanopyridine and 3,5-bis(benzyloxy) benzoyl chloride, ¹H NMR δ (d₆-DMSO): 5.19 (4H, s); 6.89 (1H, m); 7.26-7.46 (12H, m); 8.27 (1H, dd); 8.33 (1H, d); 8.84 (1H, s); 11.23 (1H, br s); m/z (LCMS; ESI+) 436 (MH⁺).

The requisite 2-amino-5-cyanopyridine starting material may be purchased (Bionet Research, and other suppliers), or may be prepared according to the method given in WO95/06034.

EXAMPLE R Route 17: 3,5-bis(benzyloxy)-N-[5-(5-oxo-4,5-dihydro-1,2,4-oxadiazol-3-yl)pyridin-2-yl]benzamide

Ethyl chloroformate (32 μL, 0.33 mmol) was added to a solution of 3,5-bis(benzyloxy)-N-{5-[(hydroxyamino)(imino)methyl]pyridin-2-yl}benzamide (140 mg, 0.30 mmol) in pyridine (5 mL). This solution was heated at reflux overnight. The mixture was cooled and concentrated under reduced pressure. DCM and methanol were used to dissolve the remaining material and the solution was washed with water. The organic solution was concentrated under reduced pressure and the residue was purified on silica by MPLC (eluting firstly with 5% methanol/DCM then 10% methanol/DCM). The title compound was obtained as a colourless solid (103 mg, 70%).¹H NMR δ (d₆-DMSO): 5.19 (4H, s); 6.87 (1H, s); 7.28-7.46 (12H, m); 8.21 (1H, dd); 8.38 (1H, d); 8.79 (1H, s); 11.14 (1H, br s); m/z (LCMS; ESI+) 495 (MH⁺).

The requisite staring material was prepared as follows:

Preparation of 3,5-bis(benzyloxy)-N-{5-[(hydroxyamino)(imino)methyl]pyridin-2-yl}benzamide

A mixture of 3,5-bis(benzyloxy)-N-(5-cyanopyridin-2-yl)benzamide (212 mg, 0.49 mmol), triethylamine (170 μL, 1.22 mmol) and hydroxylamine hydrochloride (85 mg, 1.22 mmol) in ethanol (5 mL) was heated at reflux overnight. The mixture was cooled and concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue was purified by MPLC on silica eluting with 5% methanol/DCM then 15% methanol/DCM. The title compound was obtained as a colourless solid (171 mg, 75%).¹H NMR δ (d₆-DMSO): 5.19 (4H, s); 5.92 (2H, s), 6.87 (1H, s); 7.28-7.48 (12H, m); 8.06 (1H, dd); 8.17 (1H, d), 8.65 (1H, s); 9.68 (1H, s); 10.85 (1H, br s); m/z (LCMS; ESI+) 469 (MH⁺).

The requisite 3,5-bis(benzyloxy)-N-(5-cyanopyridin-2-yl)benzamide was prepaerd as described in Example P (route 15).

EXAMPLE S Route 18: [(2-{[3,5-bis(benzyloxy)benzoyl]amino}pyridin-5-yl)amino](oxo)acetic acid

Methyl oxalyl chloride (37 μL, 0.4 mmol) was added to a mixture of N-(5-aminopyridin-2-yl)-3,5-bis(benzyloxy)benzamide (150 mg, 0.36 mmol) and triethylamine in DCM (5 mL). The mixture was stirred for 1 hour under an atmosphere of nitrogen. The solution was diluted with DCM and washed with water. The organics were concentrated under reduced pressure and the residue was purified on silica by MPLC (eluting with 1% methanol/DCM to 15% methanol/DCM) to give a colurless solid (110 mg). This material was dissolved in THF (2 mL). Water (3 mL) and sodium hydroxide (0.5 mL, 2M, 1 mmol) were added. The mixture was stirred for 1 hour before being acidified with hydrochloric acid (2M) and diluted with water. The resulting precipitate was isolated by filration, washed with water and dried in vacuo. The title compound was obtained as a colourless solid (88 mg, 50%).¹H NMR δ (d₆-DMSO): 5.18 (4H, s); 6.88 (1H, s); 7.30-7.50 (12H, m); 8.17 (2H, s); 8.79 (1H, s); 10.79 (1H, s); 10.93 (1H, br s); m/z (LCMS; ESI+) 498 (MH⁺).

The requisite starting material was prepared according to Example H (route 7).

EXAMPLE T

By analogous methods to those described above the following compounds, Example numbers T₁ to T₂₀, were also made.

Compound T₉ was prepared by Route 1b (multi-parallel synthesis), as follows. To the appropriate acis (6.0 mmol) in dichloromethane (25 mls) was added 1 drop of dimethylformamide and the mixture stirred at room temperature under argon. The oxalyl chloride (0.867 mls) was added to the acid and stirred at room temperature for 2 hrs. The solvent was removed in Genevac DD4, and resulting residue azeotroped with dichloromethane (3×10 mls), then dried high vacuum for 2 hrs. The resulting acid chloride was then dissolved in THF (30 mls) and 5 mls of the solution was added to one of the set of six amines in THF/Pyridine (5 mls). The resulting mixture was stirred overnight at room temperature, diluted with ethyl acetate (5 mls). The resulting solution was transferred to the Allex automated extractor and washed with water (2×5 mls), sodium hydrogen carbonate (5 mls), 1M citric acid (5 mls), brine (5 mls) dried (magnesium sulphate) and evaporated in Genevac DD4. The resulting gum was triturated with methanol (1-2 mls) and the resulting solid filtered, washed methanol and air-dried. Example Structure Route NMR  1

1 1H NMR d (d6-DMSO): 5.26 (4H, s); 6.96 (1H, m); 7.38-7.45 (6H, m); 7.53 (2H, m); 7.62 (2H, m); 8.43 (1H, d); 8.49 (1H, m); 9.42 (1H, m); 11.13 (1H, s).  2

1 1H NMR d (d6-DMSO): 5.25 (4H, s); 6.97 (1H, m); 7.38-7.45 (6H, m); 7.53 (2H, m); 7.63 (2H, m); 8.64 (1H, d); 9.26 (1H, d); 11.33 (1H, s).  3

1 1H NMR d (d6-DMSO): 5.25 (4H, s); 6.95 (1H, s); 7.35-7.40 (6H, m); 7.50 (2H, m); 7.60 (2H, m); 8.61 (1H, s); 9.22 (1H, s); 11.25 (1H, br s).  4

1 1H NMR d (d6-DMSO): 5.36 (4H, s); 7.00 (1H, m); 7.44 (2H, d); 7.55- 7.64 (2H, m); 7.77 (4H, m); 7.93 (2H, d); 8.43 (1H, d); 8.49 (1H, m); 9.43 (1H, s); 11.17 (1H, s).  5

1 1H NMR d (d6-DMSO): 3.90 (3H, s); 5.24 (4H, s); 6.97 (1H, m); 7.39 (6H, m); 7.50 (2H, m); 7.60 (2H, m); 9.02 (1H, s); 9.52 (1H, s); 11.54 (1H, br s).  6

2 1H NMR d (d6-DMSO): 5.24 (4H, s); 6.96 (1H, m); 7.39 (6H, m); 7.51 (2H, m); 7.62 (2H, m); 8.98 (1H, s); 9.48 (1H, s); 11.44 (1H, br s).  7

2* 1H NMR d (d6-DMSO): 5.34 (4H, s); 7.00 (1H, s); 7.57 (2H, m); 7.75 (4H, m); 7.91 (2H, d); 9.00 (1H, s); 9.52 (1H, s); 11.53 (1H, s); 13.43, (1H br s).  8

1 1H NMR d (d6-DMSO): 2.29 (3H, s); 2.33 (3H, s); 3.24 (m, 2H); 4.21 (2H, t); 5.12 (2H, s); 6.80 (1H, m); 7.21 (4H, m); 7.31 (1H, m); 7.40 (2H, m); 8.39 (1H, m); 8.45 (1H, m); 8.82 (1H, s); 9.38 (1H, s); 11.06 (1H, br s).  9

1b ¹H NMR d (d₆-DMSO): 1.25 (d, 12H), 4.7 (hept, 2H), 6.6 (d, 1H), 7.2 (d, 2H), 8.4 (d, 1H), 8.45 (t, 1H), 9.4 (s, 1H), 11.0 (br s, 1H). 10

1 ¹H NMR δ (d₆-DMSO): 2.37 (s, 3H), 3.24 (t, 2H), 4.23 (t, 2H), 4.65 (d, 2H), 5.28 (d, 1H), 5.42 (d, 1H), 6.05 (m, 1H), 6.75 (s, 1H), 7.23 (s, 2H), 8.43 (s, 1H), 8.84 (s, 1H), 9.40 (s, 1H), 11.07 (br s, 1H). 11

1 ¹H NMR δ (d₆-DMSO): 2.32 (s, 3H), 2.35 (s, 3H), 3.21 (t, 2H), 4.21 (t, 2H), 5.13 (s, 2H), 6.81 (s, 1H), 7.14-7.26 (m, 4H), 7.32 (1H, s), 7.41 (1H, d), 8.51 (s, 1H), 8.81 (s, 1H), 9.39 (s, 1H), 11.34 (brs, 1H). 12

1 364 ¹H NMR δ (d₆-DMSO): 2.12 (s, 6H), 3.81 (s, 3H), 5.05 (s, 2H), 6.95 (s, 1H), 7.05 (s, 2H), 7.1 (s, 1H), 7.72 (d, 1H), 7.78 (s, 1H), 8.36 (d, 1H), 8.43 (s, 1H), 9.4 (s, 1H), 10.92 (br s, 1H) 13

1b 412 410 14

1b 330 15

1b 288 16

1b 312 17

1b 452 18

1b 400 19

2a, 1c 428 426 δ_(H) (500MHz, DMSO-d₆) 1.28 (6H, d), 3.07 (2H, t), 4.26 (2H, t), 4.70 (1H, m), 6.71 (1H, m), 7.12 (1H, m), 7.24 (2H, m), 7.30 (1H, m), 7.46 (1H, m), 8.98 (1H, d), 9.48 (1H, d), 11.33 (1H, s), 13.24 (1H, br s). 20

1a 382 *For Example 7, the ester intermediate was prepared by route 1:

¹H NMR δ (d₆-DMSO): 3.90 (3H, s); 5.34 (4H, s); 7.01 (1H, s); 7.43 (2H, s); 7.58 (2H, m); 7.74 (4H, m); 7.91 (2H, d); 9.02 (1H, s); 9.52 (1H, s); 11.57 (1H, br s).

EXAMPLE U 2-[3-{2-(4-methyl thiazol-5-yl)ethoxy}-5-dimethylamino]benzoylamino]-[1,3,4]-thiadiazole (Route 19)

Formaldehyde (37% in water) (0.033 ml, 0.44 mM) was added to 2-[3-{2-(4-methyl thiazol-5-yl)ethoxy}-5-amino]benzoylamino]-[1,3,4]-thiadiazole (27 mg 0.074 mM) and 4A molecular sieves (0.2 g) in methanol (4 ml)/acetonitrile (3 ml)/g.AcOH (2 drops) under an inert atmosphere at room temperature. After 150 mins sodium cyanoborohydride (7 mg, 0.12 mM) was added and the reaction mixture stirred for 40 hrs. The reaction mixture was filtered, concentrated in vacuo, the residue acidified with 2M HCl to precipitate a colourless solid. Purified on silica gel (50 to 75% EtOAc/iso-hexane) gave the title compound as a colourless solid (25 mg, 85%); ¹H NMR δ (d₆-DMSO): 2.35 (s, 3H), 2.93 (s, 6H), 3.22 (m, 2H), 4.19 (m, 2H), 6.41 (m, 1H), 6.98 (m, 1H), 7.06 (m, 1H), 8.80 (s, 1H), 9.17 (s, 1H).

The requisite 2-[3-{2-(4-methyl thiazol-5-yl )ethoxy}-5-amino]benzoylamino]-[1,3,4]-thiadiazole starting material was prepared as follows:

10% Palladium on carbon (80 mg) was added under an argon atmosphere to a solution of 2-[3-{2-(4-methyl thiazol-5-yl)ethoxy}-5-nitro]benzoylamino]-[1,3,4]-thiadiazole (0.38 g, 0.99 mM) in ethyl acetate (40 ml). Hydrogen gas was introduced and the reaction mixture stirred vigorously for 18 hrs before filtering through celite, concentration in vacuo and replacement of the catalyst (80 mg). After stirring under hydrogen gas for a further 18 hrs a final catalyst change was carried out. Afterwhich the crude aniline was purified on silica gel (1% to 4% MeOH/DCM) to give 2-[3-{2-(4-methyl thiazol-5-yl)ethoxy}-5-amino]benzoylamino]-[1,3,4]-thiadiazole as a colourless solid (0.1 g, 28%); MS (M−H⁺)⁻360.

Oxalyl chloride (0.20 ml, 2.35 mM) was added to 3-{2-(4-methyl thiazol-5-yl) ethoxy}-5-nitro benzoic acid (0.72 g, 2 mM) in dichloromethane (30 ml) containing DMF (2 drops) under an argon atmosphere at room temperature. After 3 hrs the reaction mixture was concentrated in vacuo and azeotroped with toluene to give an off-white solid. The acid chloride and 2-amino-[1,3,4]-thiadiazole (0.19 g, 1.9 mM) were dissolved in DCM (20 ml) then DIPEA (0.96 ml, 5.6 mM) and DMAP (0.04 g, 0.3 mM) added. After stirring overnight under argon the reaction mixture was concentrated, purified on silica gel (50% to75% to 100% EtOAc/iso-hexane) gave a pale yellow solid which was triturated with MeOH to give 2-[3-{2-(4-methyl thiazol-5-yl)ethoxy}-5-nitro]benzoylamino]-[1,3,4]-thiadiazole as a colourless solid (0.30 g, 48%); ¹H NMR δ (d₆-DMSO): 2.37 (s, 3H), 3.26 (t, 2H), 4.35 (t, 2H), 7.89 (m, 1H), 8.09 (s, 1H), 8.47 (s, 1H), 8.81 (s, 1H), 9.24 (s, 1H).

DIAD (3.16 ml, 16.1 mM) was added to a stirred solution of methyl 3-nitro-5-hydroxy benzoate (2.11 g, 10. 7 mM), 4-(2-hydroxy ethyl)-5-methylthiazole (1.55 ml, 12.8 mM), and triphenylphosphine (4.21 g, 16.1 mM) in THF (50 ml) under an argon atmosphere at room temperature. After 1 hr reaction mixture concentrated in vacuo, residue triturated with diethyl ether to give a colourless solid (triphenylphosphine oxide). Diethyl ether conc. to give a dark brown gum, purification on silica gel (50% to 75% EtOAc/iso-hexane) gave the product contaminated with reduced DIAD and triphenylphosphine oxide (6.8 g). The crude product was dissolved/suspended in MeOH (80 ml), 2M NaOH (20 ml, 40 mM) added, heated at 65° C. for 4 hrs then cooled and concentrated. The residue was diluted with water (140 ml)/2M NaOH (40 ml), the precipitated triphenylphosphine oxide filtered, then acidified with c. HCl to pH1-2. The precipitate was filtered, washed with water, dried under high-vacuum to give 3-{2-(4-methyl thiazol-5-yl)ethoxy}-5-nitro benzoic acid as a colourless solid (3.12 g, 79% over 2 steps); ¹H NMR δ (d₆-DMSO): 2.39 (s, 3H), 3.23 (t, 2H), 4.35 (t, 2H), 7.78 (s, 1H), 7.90 (m, 1H), 8.22 (s, 1H), 8.93 (s, 1H).

EXAMPLE V 2-[3-{2-(4-methyl thiazol-5-yl )ethoxyl}-5-hydroxy]benzoylamino]-{1,3,4]-thiadiazole

A solution of 2-[3-{2-(4-methyl thiazol-5-yl)ethoxy}-5-allyloxy]benzoylamino]-[1,3,4]-thiadiazole (1.1 g, 2.7 mmol) in tetrahydrofuran (40 ml) was stirred under an argon atmosphere and treated with Meldrum's acid (0.79 g, 5.4 mmol) and tetrakis (triphenyl phosphine) palladium (0) (825 mg, 0.7 mmol, 0.25 eq) and the resulting yellow solution stirred at ambient temperature for 2 hours. Sequential triturations with dichloromethane and hot tetrahydrofuran gave 2-[3-{2-(4-methyl thiazol-5-yl)ethoxy}-5-hydroxy]benzoylamino]-[1,3,4]-thiadiazole as a colourless solid (0.59 g, 59%), ¹H NMR δ (d₆-DMSO): 2.35 (s, 3H), 3.2 (t, 2H), 4.2 (t, 2H), 6.55 (m, 1H), 7.05 (s, 1H), 7.2 (s, 1H), 8.81 (s, 1H), 9.2 (s, 1H), 9.8 (br s, 1H); m/z 363 (M+H)+, 361 (M−H)−.

The requisite 2-[3-{2-(4-methyl thiazol-5-yl)ethoxy}-5-allyloxy]benzoylamino]-[1,3,4]-thiadiazole starting material was prepared according to the appropriate generic alkylation method, and the resulting benzoic acid coupled with 1,3,4-thiadiazole according to Route 1. The analytical data on all intermediates was consistent with the proposed structures.

EXAMPLE W 2-(3-isopropoxy-5-dimethylaminomethyl)benzoyl aminothiazole

A solution of 2-(3-isopropoxy-5-formyl)benzoyl aminothiazole (0.11 g, 0.39 mmol) in dichloromethane was treated with dimethylamine (0.074 ml of an approx. 5.6M solution in ethanol, 0.41 mmol, 1.1 eq) and stirred under argon for 10 mins. To the solution was added sodium tris-acetoxy borohydride (0.11 g, 0.53 mmol, 1.4 eq), and the resulting mixture stirred overnight at ambient temperature. Further reagents were then added (same quantities as before) and the mixture again stirred overnight at ambient temperature. The solution was treated with saturated sodium bicarbonate solution (10 ml) and stirred for 20 mins; it was then extracted twice with dichloromethane, the organic extracts dried over magnesium sulfate and evaporated in vacuo to give the product as a colourless oil. This was dissolved in ethyl acetate and the solution treated with an ethereal solution of HCl (excess of 1M); the precipitate thus formed was filtered under argon and washed with diethyl ether to give 2-(3-isopropoxy-5-dimethylaminomethyl)benzoyl aminothiazole hydrochloride as a colourless solid (0.1 g, 72%), ¹H NMR δ (d₆-DMSO): 1.31 (d, 6H), 2.71 (s, 6H), 4.26 (m, 2H), 4.76 (m, 1H), 7.29 (d, 1H), 7.42 (m, 1H), 7.55 (d, 1H), 7.70 (s, 1H), 10.66 (bs, 1H).

The requisite starting material was prepared as follows:

EXAMPLE X 2-(3-isopropoxy-5-formyl)benzoyl aminothiazole

A solution of 2-(3-isopropoxy-5-hydroxymethyl)benzoyl aminothiazole (0.115 g, 0.39 mmol) in tetrahydrofuran (8 ml) was treated with manganese dioxide (0.27 g, 3.1 mmol, 8 eq) and the resulting suspension stirred overnight at ambient temperature; additional oxidant (0.1 g portions) was added until all the starting material was consumed (tlc). The suspension was filtered, the residue washed well with ethyl acetate, and the combined filtrate and washings evaporated in vacuo to give the product as a pale yellow solid, ¹H NMR δ (d₆-DMSO): 1.31 (d, 6H), 4.82 (m, 1H), 7.26 (d, 1H), 7.56 (d, 1H), 7.59 (s, 1H), 7.94 (d, 1H), 8.15 (s, 1H), 10.00 (s, 1H), 12.77 (bs, 1H).

The requisite starting material was prepared as follows:

EXAMPLE Y 2-(3-isopropoxy-5-hydroxymethyl)benzoyl aminothiazole

Standard ester cleavage of 2-(3-isopropoxy-5-acetoxymethyl)benzoyl aminothiazole (0.15 g, 0.46 mM) using 2M NaOH/THF/MeOH for 1 hour gave 2-(3-isopropoxy-5-hydroxymethyl)benzoyl aminothiazole as a colourless solid (0.149 g, 100%); ¹H NMR δ (d₆-DMSO): 1.28 (d, 6H), 4.51 (s, 2H), 4.71 (m, 1H), 7.05 (s, 1H), 7.25 (d, 1H), 7.50 (s, 1H), 7.53 (d, 1H), 7.58 (s, 1H), 12.50 (bs, 1H).

The requisite 2-(3-isopropoxy-5-acetoxymethyl)benzoyl aminothiazole was prepared by a standard coupling between 3-isopropoxy-5-acetoxymethyl benzoyl chloride and 2-aminothiazole according to Route 1, to give the title compound as a pale yellow oil, δ (d₆-DMSO): 1.3 (d, 6H), 2.1 (s, 3H), 4.75 (hept, 1H), 5.1 (s, 2H), 7.15 (s, 1H), 7.25 (d, 1H), 7.65 (d, 1H), 7.6 (m, 2H), 12.6 (bs, 1H).

The requisite 3-isopropoxy-5-acetoxymethyl benzoic acid was prepared as follows:

A solution of 3-isopropoxy-5-hydroxymethyl benzoic acid (0.77 g, 3.7 mmol) in dichloromethane (20 ml) was cooled (ice-bath) and stirred under argon; pyridine (1.18 ml, 14.6 mmol, 4eq) was added followed dropwise by acetyl chloride (0.55 ml, 7.7 mmol, 2.1 eq). The mixture was stirred for 5 mins, then allowed to warm to ambient temperature over 90 mins. Water (20 ml) was added, the mixture stirred for 2 hrs, then allowed to stand overnight. The organic layer was separated, the aqueous portion washed with dichloromethane, and the dichloromethane fractions combined and evaporated. The resulting pale yellow oil was dissolved in ethyl acetate and the solution washed with 0.05M aqueous HCl (20 ml); the organic layer was separated, dried over magnesium sulfate and evaporated in vacuo to give the product as a pale yellow solid, ¹H NMR δ (d₆-DMSO): 1.25 (d, 6H), 2.06 (s, 3H), 4.65 (hept, 1H), 5.05 (s, 2H), 7.12 (s, 1H), 7.31 (d, 1H), 7.46 (s, 1H).

The requisite 3-isopropoxy-5-hydroxymethyl benzoic acid starting material was prepared as follows:

Standard 2M NaOH/THF/MeOH cleavage of methyl 3-isopropoxy-5-hydroxymethyl benzoate (1.12 g, 5.0 mM) gave the title compound as a colourless solid (0.98 g, 94%); ¹H NMR δ (d₆-DMSO): 1.25 (d, 6H), 4.47 (s, 2H), 4.60 (m, 1H), 5.23 (bs, 1H), 7.06 (s, 1H), 7.24 (s, 1H), 7.45 (s, 1H).

The requisite methyl 3-isopropoxy-5-hydroxymethyl benzoate starting material was prepared as follows:

Mono-methyl-5-isopropoxy-isophthalate (5.15 g, 21.6 mM) was dissolved in THF (180 ml), cooled to 2° C. and borane:THF complex (72 ml of 1.5M solution in THF, 0.11 mM) added dropwise over 15 mins, maintaining an internal temperature of <5° C. After 15 mins the reaction mixture was warmed to ambient temperature, stirred for 3 hrs before cooling (ice bath) and quenching with pieces of ice. When no further reaction observed brine (150 ml)/diethyl ether (150 ml) added. The organic layer was removed, aqueous extracted with additional diethyl ether (1×100 ml), combined organics washed with brine (1×100 ml), dried (MgSO₄), filtered and concentrated. Purified on silica gel (20-25% EtOAc/isohexane) to give the title compound as a colourless solid (3.57 g, 74%); ¹H NMR δ (d₆-DMSO): 1.26 (d, 6H), 3.82 (s, 3H), 4.50 (d, 2H), 4.63 (m, 1H), 5.26 (t, 1H (—OH)), 7.10 (s, 1H), 7.25 (s, 1H), 7.47 (s, 1H).

The requisite mono-methyl-5-isopropoxy-isophthalate starting material was prepared as follows:

2M NaOH (1.03 g, 25.9 mM) in methanol (9 ml) was added to a solution of dimethyl-5-isopropoxy-isophthalate (5.68 g, 22.5 mM) in acetone (45 ml) and stirred at ambient temperature overnight. The reaction mixture was concentrated, acidified (2M HCl) to pH1-2, filtered, washed with water and dried under high vacuum to give 14279/66/1 as a colourless solid (5.25 g, 98%) (contains 15-20% diacid); MS (M−H⁺)⁻ 237.

The requisite dimethyl-5-isopropoxy-isophthalate starting material was prepared as follows:

Dimethyl-5-hydroxy-isophthalate (5.2 g, 24.6 mM), potassium carbonate (4.07 g, 29.5 mM), potassium iodide (0.82 g, 4.9 mM) and 2-bromopropane (2.4 ml, 25.8 mM) in DMF (50 ml) was heated at 90° C. for 3 hrs, after which additional 2-bromopropane (2.4 ml), potassium carbonate (2.2 g) was added, heated for a further 4 hrs then cooled to room temperature and concentrated. EtOAc (150 ml) was added then washed with water, brine, dried (MgSO₄), filtered and concentrated to give a pale yellow oil which solidified on standing (6.0 g, 97%); MS (MH⁺) 253.

EXAMPLE Z 2-(3-isopropoxy-5-formyl)benzoyl aminothiazole-5-carboxylic acid

A solution of 2-(3-isopropoxy-5-hydroxymethyl)benzoyl aminothiazole-5-carboxylic acid (0.42 g, 1.25 mmol) in tetrahydrofuran (50 ml) was treated with Dess-Martin periodinane (DMP, 0.58 g, 1.37 mmol, 1.1 eq) and stirred at ambient temperature for 90 mins. The solvent was removed in vacuo, and the residue treated with dichloromethane and filtered. The residue was partitioned between ethyl acetate and sat'd sodium bicarbonate solution containing sodium thiosulfate solution (ca 7 eq of 2.1 M), and the resulting 2-phase mixture stirred vigorously before being acidified to ca pH6. The title compound was isolated by filtration as a colourless solid, (0.145 g, 35%), ¹H NMR δ (d₆-DMSO): 1.32 (d, 6H), 4.79 (m, 1H), 7.62 (m, 1H), 7.92 (m, 1H), 8.13 (s, 1H), 8.18 (s, 1H), 10.03 (s, 1H).

The requisite 2-(3-isopropoxy-5-hydroxymethyl)benzoyl aminothiazole-5-carboxylic acid starting material was prepared according to the procedure given in Route 2a and is exemplified as Example II₈₁.

EXAMPLE AA Z-{2-[3-isopropoxy-5-(3-methyl-but-1-enyl)benzoyl aminothiazole-5-carboxylic acid}

A solution of iso-butyl triphenyl phosphonium bromide (0.45 g, 1.13 mmol, 3.1 eq) in tetrahydrofuran (20 ml) was treated with potassium t-butoxide (1.1 ml of 1M in tetrahydrofuran, 1.13 mmol, 3.1 eq) and stirred at 0 deg C. under argon. To this was added 2-(3-isopropoxy-5-forynyl)benzoyl aminothiazole-5-carboxylic acid (0.122 g, 0.36 mmol), and the resulting solution stirred for 100 mins, allowing to warm to ambient temperature. Water was added and the solvent removed in vacuo; the residue was partitioned between water and ethyl acetate and the layers separated. The aqueous portion was neutralised (2M HCl) and extracted twice with ethyl acetate; the organic extracts were dried (MgSO₄), filtered and concentrated and the residue purified by chromatography on silica gel (10 g Bondelut cartridge, eluting with dichloromethane containing methanol, 10% v/v) to give the title compound as a colourless solid (0.012 g, 9%); ¹H NMR δ (d₆-DMSO): 1.01 (d, 6H), 1.29 (d, 6H), 2.81 (m, 1H), 4.72 (m, 1H), 6.53 (dd, 1H), 6.29 (d, 1H), 6.97 (s, 1H), 7.50 (s, 1H), 7.53 (s, 1H), 8.11 (s, 1H), 8.18 (s, 1H).

The requisite 2-(3-isopropoxy-5-formyl)benzoyl aminothiazole-5-carboxylic acid was prepared according to the procedure given under Example Z (Route 24); see Example II₈₉.

EXAMPLE BB 2-[3-isopropoxy-5-(4-methyl-1-piperidinocarbonylmethyleneoxy)]benzoyl aminothiazole

This was prepared by a standard acid chloride coupling (Example A, Route 1), starting from 2-(3-isopropoxy-5-carboxymethylene oxy)benzoyl aminothiazole, to give the title compound, ¹H NMR δ (d₆-DMSO): 1.28 (d, 6H), 2.18 (s, 3H), 2.24 (m, 2H), 2.32 (m, 2H), 3.44 (ap t, 4H), 4.65 (m, 1H), 4.85 (s, 2H), 6.68 (ap t, 1H), 7.19 (m, 1H), 7.24 (ap d, 2H), 7.55 (ap d, 1H), 12.45 (bs, 1H); m/z 419 (M+H)⁺, 417 (M−H)⁻.

The requisite 2-(3-isopropoxy-5-carboxymethylene oxy)benzoyl aminothiazole was prepared from 2-(3-isopropoxy-5-methoxycarbonylmethylene oxy)benzoyl aminothiazole by standard ester hydrolysis (Route 2a); ¹H NMR δ (d₆-DMSO): 1.28 (d, 6H), 4.69 (m, 1H), 4.73 (s, 2H), 6.66 (ap t, 1H), 7.22 (s, 1H), 7.27 (ap d, 2H), 7.53 (ap d, 1H); m/z 337.31 (M+H)⁺ 335.27 (M−H)⁻

The requisite 2-(3-isopropoxy-5-methoxycarbonylmethylene oxy)benzoyl aminothiazole starting material was prepared from 3-isopropoxy-5-(methoxycarbonyl)methoxybenzoic acid and 2-aminothiazole (48% isolated yield) by a standard acid chloride coupling (Route 1); ¹H NMR δ (d₆-DMSO): 1.27 (d, 6H), 3.70 (s, 3H), 4.71 (m, 1H), 4.86 (s, 2H), 6.99 (t, 1H), 7.23 (t, 1H), 7.26-7.27 (m, 2H), 12.53 (s, 1H); m/z 351.31 (M+H)⁺, 349.28 (M−H)⁻

The requisite starting material was prepared from 3-isopropoxy-5-(methoxycarbonyl methylene oxy)benzoic acid was prepared by monoesterification of 3-isopropoxy-5-(carboxymethylene oxy)benzoic acid (78% isolated yield) using the conditions of Ram and Charles, Tetrahedron 1997, 53 (21), pp.7335-7340: ¹H NMR δ (d₆-DMSO): 1.25 (d, 6H), 3.69 (s, 3H), 4.65 (m, 1H), 4.83 (s, 2H), 6.71 (ap t, 1H), 6.98 (s, 1H), 7.01 (s, 1H), 12.97 (bs, 1H); m/z 554.27 (2M+NH4)⁺, 267.26 (M−H)³¹

3-isopropoxy-5-(carboxymethoxy)benzoic acid

The title compound was prepared from methyl (3-isopropoxy-5-(t-butyloxylcarbonyl)methoxy)benzoate (56% isolated yield) using standard hydrolysis method 2a. ¹H NMR δ (d₆-DMSO): 1.25 (d, 6H), 4.62 (m, 1H), 4.69 (s, 2H), 6.67 (ap t, 1H), 6.96 (s, 1H), 7.02 (s, 1H), 12.95 (bs, 1H); m/z 253.27 (M−H)⁻

The requisite methyl (3-isopropoxy-5-(t-butyloxylcarbonyl)methoxy)benzoate was prepared according to generic Alkylation Method B. The analytical data on all intermediates was consistent with the proposed structures.

EXAMPLE CC 3-amino-6-(3-isobutyloxy-5-isopropyloxy benzoyl)aminopyridine

To a solution of 2-(3-isobutoxy-5-isopropoxybenzoyl)amino-5-nitropyridine (1.74 g, 4.66 mmol) in ethanol (20 ml) was added 10% Pd/C under an inert atmosphere. The reaction mixture was placed under a hydrogen atmosphere and stirred vigorously for 16 h. The reaction mixture was flooded with argon, and then diluted with water (20 ml) and acidified with 2M HCl (5 ml). The suspension was filtered through celite, and the filtrate evaporated in vacuo. The residue was partitioned between ethyl acetate (25 ml) and saturated sodium bicarbonate (25 ml), and the organic extract dried over MgSO₄. Evaporation in vacuo afforded the title compound as a brown solid (1.30 g, 81%). ¹H NMR δ (d₆-DMSO): 0.97 (d, 6H), 1.26 (d, 6H), 2.00 (m, 1H), 3.78 (d, 2H), 4.69 (m, 1H), 5.12 (s, 2H), 6.58 (t, 1H), 6.99 (dd, 1H), 7.1 (ap d, 2H), 7.73-7.78 (m, 2H), 10.24 (bs, 1H); m/z 344.41 (M+H)⁺

The requisite 2-(3-isobutyloxy-5-isopropyloxy)benzoyl amino-5-nitropyridine was prepared according to Route 1 (see Example 10 in Pyridine table); ¹H NMR δ (d₆-DMSO): 0.98 (d, 6H), 1.27 (d, 6H), 2.01 (m, 1H), 3.60 (d, 2H), 4.71 (m, 1H), 6.67 (ap t, 1H), 7.17 (ap d, 2H), 8.39 (d, 11H), 8.63 (dd, 1H), 9.20 (d, 1H), 11.43 (bs, 11H); m/z 374 (M+H)⁺, 372 (M−H)⁻.

EXAMPLE DD 2-[(3-isobutyloxy-5-isopropyloxy)benzoyl]amino-5-(N-methylsulfonyl)-carboxamido pyridine

2-[(3-isobutyloxy-5-isopropyloxy)benzoyl]aminopyridine-5-carboxylic acid (95 mg, 0.255 mmol) was stirred with EDC (59 mg, 0.306 mmol), DMAP (37 mg, 0.306 mmol) and methanesulfonamide (36 mg, 0.378 mmol) in DCM (3 ml) under an inert atmosphere for 16 h. The reaction mixture was diluted with further DCM (10 ml) and extracted with water (2×5 ml). 1M citric acid (5 ml) and brine (5 ml). Filtration through a PTFE membrane and evaporation in vacuo afforded the title compound as a colourless crystalline solid (90 mg, 79%). ¹H NMR δ (d₆-DMSO): 0.97 (d, 6H), 1.26 (d, 6H), 2.03 (m, 1H), 3.01 (s, 3H), 3.79 (d, 2H), 4.70 (m, 1H), 6.63 (ap t, 1H), 7.14 (ap d, 2H), 7.70 (dd, 1H), 8.12 (d, 1H), 8.34 (ap d, 1H), (9.83, s, 1H), 10.81 (bs, 1H), m/z 422.37 (M+H)+, 420.30 (M−H)−

The requisite 2-[(3-isobutyloxy-5-isopropyloxy)benzoyl]aminopyridine-5-carboxylic acid starting material was prepared from methyl 2-[(3-isobutyloxy-5-isopropyloxy)benzoyl]aminopyridine-5-carboxylate by standard hydrolysis (Route 2a);

The requisite methyl 2-(3-isobutyloxy-5-isopropyloxy) benzoyl aminopyridine-5-carboxylate was prepared by standard acid chloride coupling (Route 1);

EXAMPLE EE 2-[3-isopropyloxy-5-[1-methyl-1-(5-carboxy-thiazol-2-yl aminocarbonyl)]ethoxy benzoyl}aminothiazole-5-carboxylic acid

Ethyl 2-{3-isopropyloxy-5-[1-methyl-1-(5-ethoxycarbonyl-thiazol-2-yl aminocarbonyl)]ethoxy benzoyl}aminothiazole-5-carboxylate was hydrolysed by a standard method according to Example B Route 2a to give 2-{3-isopropyloxy-5-[1-methyl-1-(5-carboxy-thiazol-2-yl aminocarbonyl)]ethoxy benzoyl}aminothiazole-5-carboxylic acid, ¹H NMR δ (d₆-DMSO): 1.22 (d, 6H), 1.61 (s, 6H), 4.58-4.64 (m, 1H), 6.62 (s, 1H), 7.19 (s, 1H), 7.40 (s, 1H), 8.05 (s, 1H), 8.12 (s, 1H), m/z 533 (M−H)⁻.

The requisite ethyl 2-{3-isopropyloxy-5-[1-methyl-1-(5-ethoxycarbonyl-thiazol-2-yl aminocarbonyl)]ethoxy benzoyl}aminothiazole-5-carboxylate starting material was prepared by a standard acid chloride method according to Example A Route 1, starting from 3-isopropyloxy-5-[(1-methyl-1-carboxy)ethoxy]benzoic acid.

The requisite 3-isopropyloxy-5-[(1-methyl-1-carboxy)ethoxy]benzoic acid starting material was prepared according to the procedure described by Corey et al, JACS 91 p4782 (1969), starting from methyl 3-isopropyloxy-5-hydroxy benzoate. The methyl ester was hydrolysed under the reaction conditions, and the product was isolated by extraction into aqueous sodium bicarbonate solution followed by acidification and extraction into ethyl acetate. The organic extracts were dried (MgSO₄), filtered and concentrated in vacuo to give the crude product as a pale yellow solid. Recrystallisation from hexane gave the title compound as a colourless solid; ¹H NMR δ (d₆-DMSO): 1.15 (d, 6H), 1.5 (s, 6H), 4.55 (hept, 1H), 6.55 (dd, 1H), 6.95 (m, 1H), 7.05 (m, 1H), 13.0 (br s, 1H); m/z 283 (M+H)⁺, 281 (M+H)⁻.

EXAMPLE FF

By analogous methods to those described above the following pyridazine compounds, Example numbers FF₁ to FF₅, were also made. Example Structure Route (M + H)+ (M − H)− NMR 1

1 1H NMR d (d6-DMSO): 3.95 (3H, s); 5.25 (4H, s); 6.95 (1H, s); 7.4 (6H, m); 7.5 (2H, m); 7.65 (2H, m); 8.25 (1H, d); 8.6 (1H, d); 11.85 (1H, br s). 2

2 524/526 522 1H NMR d (d6-DMSO): 2.0 (1H, s); 5.25 (4H, s); 6.95 (1H, s); 7.4 (6H, m); 7.5 (2H, m); 7.6 (2H, m); 8.25 (1H, d); 8.55 (1H, d); 11.8 (1H, br s). MS and NMR contained signals due to acid starting material (˜20 mol %); NMR contained signals due to ethyl acetate, (˜33 mol %) 3

1 1H NMR d (d6-DMSO): 5.24 (4H, s); 6.93 (1H, m); 7.37 (6H, m); 7.50 (2H, m); 7.61 (2H, m); 7.71 (1H, dd); 8.36 (1H, d); 9.00 (1H, d). 4

2* 524/526 522/524 ¹H NMR δ (d₆-DMSO): 5.2 (4H, s); 6.95 (1H, m); 7.15 (1H, s); 7.3 (1H, d); 7.4 (4H, m); 7.5 (2H, m); 7.6 (2H, m); 9.1 (2H, s); 11.35 (1H, br s); the spectrum also contains signals due to acid starting material (˜40 mol %) 5

2a, 1c (c) 428 δ_(H) (300 MHz, DMSO-d₆) 1.29 (6H, d), 3.08 (2H, t), 4.30 (2H, t), 4.74 (1H, m), 6.73 (1H, s), 7.13 (1H, m), 7.24 (1H, s), 7.27 (1H, s), 7.34 (1H, m), 7.52 (1H, m), 8.25 (1H, d), 8.56 (1H, d), 11.75 (1H, s), 13.66 (1H, br s).

-   * For Example 15, the ester intermediate was prepared by route 1 and     is exemplified as Example 12:

EXAMPLE GG

By analogous methods to those described above the following compounds, Example numbers GG₁ to GG₇, were also made. Example Structure Route (M + H)+ (M − H)− NMR 1

2* 1H NMR d (d6-DMSO): 5.22 (4H, s); 6.54 (1H, d); 6.93 (1H, d); 7.27 (1H, d); 7.32-7.44 (6H, m); 7.53 (2H, m); 7.63 (2H, m); 11.85 (1H, s); 12.86 (1H, br s). 2

1H NMR d (d6-DMSO): 3.75 (3H, s); 5.21 (4H, s); 6.55 (1H, d); 6.86 (1H, m); 7.31 (1H, m); 7.38 (4H, m); 7.38 (2H, m); 7.56 (1H, m); 7.59 (2H, m); 10.80 (1H, br s). 3

1a 331 4

1a 332.53 330.51 δ_(H) (300 MHz, CDCl₃) 1.02 (6H, d), 1.36 (6H, d), 2.08 (1H, m), 2.30 (3H, s), 3.75 (d, 2H), 4.60 (1H, hept), 6.66 (2H, m), 7.08 (2H, m), 9.85 (1H, br s). 5

1a 376.47 374.45 δ_(H) (300 MHz, DMSO-d₆) 0.98 (6H, d), 1.27 (6H, d), 2.02 (1H, m), 3.80 (2H, d), 3.84 (3H, s), 4.68 (1H, hept), 6.62 (1H, s), 7.12 (3H, m), 10.95 (1H, br s), 13.65 (1H, br s). 6

1b (HATU) 386.47 δ_(H) (300 MHz, CDCl₃) 1.35 (6H, d), 3.13 (2H, t), 3.72 (3H, s), 4.16 (2H, t), 4.53 (1H, hept), 6.60 (1H, s), 6.83 (1H, s), 7.00 (4H, m) 7.28 (2H, m), 8.98 (1H, br s). 7

1a 384 *For GG₁, the ester intermediate was prepared by route 1:

¹H NMR δ (d₆-DMSO: 3.80 (3H, s); 5.23 (1H, m); 6.61 (1H, d); 6.95 (1H, s); 7.33- 7.43 (7H, m); 7.50-7.55 (2H, m); 7.60-7.63 (2H, m); 11.90 (1H, br s).

EXAMPLE RH

By analogous methods to those described above the following compounds, Example numbers HH₁ to HH₃₃, were also made. Example Structure Route (M + H)+ (M − H)− NMR  1

1 484 1H NMR d (d6-DMSO): 5.26 (4H, s); 7.02 (1H, s); 7.40 (4H, m); 7.46 (2H, m); 7.54 (2H, m); 7.63 (2H, m); 9.24 (1H, s); 13.08 (1H, br s).  2

1 1H NMR d (d6-DMSO): 2.63 (3H, s); 5.24 (4H, s); 6.96 (1H, s); 7.35-7.45 (6H, m); 7.51 (2H, m); 7.61 (2H, m); 12.84 (1H, br s).  3

1 1H NMR d (d6-DMSO): 1.38 (3H, t), 3.25 (2H, q); 5.25 (4H, s); 6.97 (1H, s); 7.41 (6H, m); 7.54 (2H, m); 7.64 (2H, m); 13.13 (1H, br s).  4

1 1H NMR d (d6-DMSO): 1.32 (3H, t), 4.32 (2H, q); 5.20 (4H, s); 6.78 (1H, s); 7.39 (4H, m); 7.46 (2H, m); 7.53 (2H, m); 7.64 (2H, m).  5

1 1H NMR d (d6-DMSO): 4.20 (3H, s); 5.28 (4H, s); 6.98 (1H, s); 7.42 (6H, m); 7.53 (2H, m); 7.62 (2H, m); 12.78 (1H, br s).  6

2 530, 532 1H NMR d (d6-DMSO): 5.24 (4H, s); 6.96 (1H, s); 7.37 (4H, m); 7.33 (2H, m); 7.53 (2H, m); 7.62 (2H, m).  7

1 1H NMR d (d6-DMSO): 5.25 (4H, s), 6.74 (1H, m); 6.99 (1H, s); 7.23 (1H, m); 7.41 (4H, m); 7.49 (2H, m); 7.53 (2H, m); 7.65 (2H, m); 7.97 (1H, s); 13.20 (1H, br s).  8

1 1H NMR d (d6-DMSO): 5.34 (4H, s), 7.03 (1H, s); 7.49 (2H, m); 7.57 (2H, m); 7.75 (4H, m); 7.91 (2H, d); 9.22 (1H, s); 13.06 (1H, br s).  9

19 564, 566 1H NMR d (d6-DMSO): 5.20 (4H, s), 6.68 (1H, m); 7.37 (4H, m); 7.45 (2H, m); 7.50 (2H, m); 7.62 (2H, m). 10

1 566 564, 566 1H NMR d (d6-DMSO): 5.22 (4H, s), 6.99 (1H, m); 7.39 (4H, m); 7.45 (2H, m); 7.51 (2H, m); 7.60 (2H, m); 13.34 (1H, br s). 11

1 1H NMR d (d6-DMSO): 2.33 (3H, s), 2.37 (3H, s); 3.25 (2H, m); 4.21 (2H, t); 5.14 (2H, s); 6.84 (1H, m); 7.22 (3H, m); 7.31 (1H, s); 7.40 (2H, m); 8.83 (1H, s); 9.21 (1H, s); 12.99 (1H, br s). 12

1 1H NMR d (d6-DMSO): 1.33 (3H, t), 2.32 (3H, s); 2.35 (3H, s); 3.22 (2H, m); 4.21 (2H, t); 4.40 (2H, q); 5.13 (2H, s); 6.87 (1H, m); 7.22 (3H, m); 7.33 (1H, m); 7.41 (2H, m); 8.82 (1H, s); 13.46 (1H, br s). 13

516, 518 1H NMR d (d6-DMSO): 5.21 (4H, s); 6.98 (1H, m); 7.34-7.40 (6H, m); 7.50 (2H, m); 7.59 (2H, m). 14

398 ¹H NMR δ (d₆-DMSO): 1.0 (d, 6H), 2.0 (hept, 1H), 2.35 (s, 3H), 3.8 (d, 2H), 5.2 (s, 2H), 6.85 (d, 1H), 7.15-7.25 (m, 3H), 7.30 (d, 1H), 7.4 (2H, m), 9.2 (s, 1H), 11.6 (br s, 1H). 15

402 ¹H NMR δ (d₆-DMSO): 1.0 (d, 6H), 2.0 (hept, 1H), 3.8 (d, 2H), 5.2 (s, 2H), 6.85 (s, 1H), 7.2-7.3 (m, 2H), 7.35 (s, 1H), 7.4 (m, 2H), 7.6 (t, 1H), 9.2 (s, 1H), 13.0 (br s, 1H). 16

350 17

322 ¹H NMR δ (d₆-DMSO): 1.3 (d, 12H), 4.7 (hept, 2H), 6.65 (s, 1H), 7.25 (s, 2H), 9.2 (s, 1H), 12.95 (br s, 1H). 18

¹H NMR δ (d₆-DMSO): 2.34 (s, 3H), 3.23 (t, 2H), 4.21 (t, 2H), 4.62 (d, 2H), 5.26 (d, 1H), 5.40 (d, 1H), 6.05 (m, 1H), 6.75 (s, 1H), 7.31 (s, 2H), 8.83 (s, 1H), 9.20 (s, 1H), 12.48 (br s, 1H). 19

¹H NMR δ (d₆-DMSO): 2.31 (s, 3H), 2.34 (s, 3H), 3.22 (t, 2H), 4.21 (t, 2H), 5.13 (s, 2H), 6.84 (s, 1H), 7.15-7.25 (m, 3H), 7.26 (1H, m), 7.39 (2H, m), 8.81 (s, 1H). 20

¹H NMR δ (d₆-DMSO): 2.37 (s, 3H), 2.42 (s, 3H), 3.29 (t, 2H), 4.29 (t, 2H), 5.21 (s, 2H), 5.58 (s, 2H), 6.92 (s, 1H), 7.22-7.31 (m, 3H), 7.40 (1H, bs), 7.47 (2H, m), 8.90 (s, 1H). MS ES⁺ 547.2, 549.1 (M + H)⁺. 21

19 ¹H NMR δ (d₆-DMSO): 2.35 (s, 3H), 2.93 (s, 6H), 3.22 (m, 2H), 4.19 (m, 2H), 6.41 (m, 1H), 6.98 (m, 1H), 7.06 (m, 1H), 8.80 (s, 1H), 9.17 (s, 1H). 22

19 ¹H NMR δ (d₆-DMSO): 2.58 (m, 6H), 3.43 (t, 2H), 4.37 (t, 2H), 4.50 (d, 2H), 6.41 (m, 1H), 6.61 (m, 1H), 7.16 (m, 2H), 7.34-7.45 (m, 3H), 7.50 (m, 1H), 9.05 (s, 1H), 9.42 (s, 1H). 23

1 358 ¹H NMR δ (d₆-DMSO): 3.81 (s, 3H), 5.15 (s, 2H), 7.18 (t, 1H), 7.2-7.3 (m, 3H), 7.38 (d, 1H), 7.39-7.43 (m, 1H), 7.55 (t, 1H), 12.27 (br s, 1H). 24

20 363 361 ¹H NMR δ (d₆-DMSO): 2.35 (s, 3H), 3.2 (t, 2H), 4.2 (t, 2H), 6.55 (m, 1H), 7.05 (s, 1H), 7.2 (s, 1H), 8.81 (s, 1H), 9.2 (s, 1H), 9.8 (br s, 1H), 25

1b 336 26

1b 405 27

2a, 1c (b) 388 386 δ_(H) (500 MHz, DMSO-d₆) 1.27 (6H, d), 4.73 (1H, m), 5.21 (2H, s), 6.82 (1H, s), 7.20-7.31 (3H, br m), 7.36-7.47 (2H, brm), 7.58 (1H, t), 9.23 (1H, s), 12.97 (1H, br s). 28

2a, 1c (b) 389 δ_(H) (500 MHz, DMSO-d₆) 1.28 (6H, d), 3.06 (2H, t), 4.27 (2H, t), 4.72 (1H, m), 6.72 (1H, s), 7.12 (1H, d), 7.26 (1H, s), 7.31 (2H, m), 7.48 (1H, m), 9.20 (1H, s). 29

2a, 1a (d) 434 δ_(H) (300 MHz, DMSO-d₆) 1.26 (6H, d), 3.07 (2H, t), 4.15 (2H, t), 4.70 (1H, m), 6.68 (1H, s), 7.11 (1H, d), 7.22-7.34 (3H, br m), 7.47 (1H, m). 30

1b, (HATU) 402.42 400.39 δ_(H) (300 MHz, DMSO-d₆) 1.27 (6H, d), 2.63 (3H, s), 4.70 (1H, hept), 5.20 (2H, s), 6.82 (1H, s), 7.24 (3H, m), 7.39 (2H, m), 7.56 (1H, t), 12.80 (1H, br s). 31

1b, (HATU) 402.40 402.37 δ_(H) (300 MHz, DMSO-d₆) 1.27 (6H, d), 2.63 (3H, s), 3.06 (2H, t), 4.25 (2H, t), 4.70 (1H, hept), 6.72 (1H, s), 7.12 (1H, d), 7.28 (3H, m), 7.47 (1H, m), 12.77 (1H, br s). 32

1b, (HATU) 468.39 466.37 δ_(H) (300 MHz, DMSO-d₆) 2.63 (3H, s), 5.23 (4H, s), 6.97 (1H, s), 7.24 (4H, m), 7.43 (4H, m), 7.57 (2H, t), 12.84 (1H, br s). 33

1a 336.44 334.40

By analogous methods to those described above the following compounds, Example numbers II₁ to II₁₆₆, were also made. Some compounds were prepared by Route 1b (multi-parallel synthesis), as described in Example T. For compounds made by Route 2a (hydrolysis of esters), the requisite starting materials may be prepared by Route 1 or 1b. Ex- am ple Structure Route (M + H)+ (M − H)− NMR  1

1 485, 487 1H NMR d (d6-DMSO): 5.24 (4H, s); 6.93 (1H, s); 7.26 (1H, d); 7.36-7.43 (6H, m); 7.50 (2H, m); 7.55 (1H, d); 7.61 (2H, m); 12.60 (1H, br s).  2

2a **** 1H NMR d (d6-DMSO): 5.25 (4H, s); 7.0 (1H, s); 7.4 (6H, m); 7.5 7.50 (2H, m); 7.6 (2H, m); 8.2 (1H, d).  3

1 1H NMR d (d6-DMSO): 3.62 (3H, s); 3.76 (2H, s); 5.24 (4H, s); 6.94 (1H, m); 7.06 (1H, s); 7.38-7.47 (6H, m); 7.54 (2H, m); 7.63 (2H, m); 12.69 (1H, br s).  4

1 531 1H NMR d (d6-DMSO): 4.77 (2H, s); 5.25 (4H, s); 6.94 (1H, m); 7.31 (1H, s); 7.36-7.18 (6H, m); 7.53 (2H, m); 7.63 (2H, m); 12.83 (1H, br s) (+034 eq. iPr2NEt).  5

3 528, 530 1H NMR d (d6-DMSO): 2.63 (3H, m); 4.16 (2H, m); 5.24 (4H, s); 6.99 (1H, s); 7.38-7.44 (7H, m); 7.52 (2H, m); 7.62 (2H, m); 9.06 (1H, br s); 12.75 (1H, br s).  6

3 1H NMR d (d6-DMSO): 2.57 (3H, m); 3.48 (2H, m); 5.25 (4H, s); 6.95 (2H, m); 7.36-7.44 (6H, m); 7.53 (2H, m); 7.62 (2H, m); 7.83 (1H, m); 12.60 (1H, br s).  7

2a **** 497, 499 (−CO2) 1H NMR d (d6-DMSO): 3.64 (2H, s); 5.26 (4H, s); 6.95 (1H, s); 7.04 (1H, s); 7.37-7.46 (6H, m); 7.54 (2H, m); 7.63 (2H, m); 12.40 (1H, br s); 12.68 (1H, br s) (.HCl).  8

2a **** 459, 415 (−CO2) 1H NMR d (d6-DMSO): 5.15 (4H, s); 6.9 (1H, s); 7.2-7.5 (12H, m); 8.1 (1H, s).  9

1 1H NMR d (d6-DMSO): (iPr2NEt salt) 1.24 (15H, m); 3.12 (2H, m); 3.80 (2H, m); 5.24 (4H, (1H, s); 6.93 (1H, m); 7.36-7.45 (7H, m); 7.51 (2H, m); 7.61 (2H, m); 12.56 (1H, br s). 10

3 1H NMR d (d6-DMSO): 2.45 (4H, m); 3.55 (2H, s); 3.61 (4H, m); 3.55 (2H, s); 3.61 (4H, m); 5.29 (4H, s); 7.00 (1H, m); 7.11 (1H, s); 7.43-7.51 (6H, m); 7.58 (2H, m); 7.67 (2H, m); 12.66 (1H, br s). 11

4 550, 552 1H NMR d (d6-DMSO): 5.19 (2H, br s); 5.23 (4H, s); 6.72 (1H, dd); 6.93 (1H, m); 7.03 (1H, m); 7.35-7.44 (7H, m); 7.51 (2H, m); 7.61 (2H, m); 12.46 (1H, br s). 12

3 558, 560 1H NMR d (d6-DMSO): 2.60 (2H, t); 3.45 (2H, t); 3.72 (2H, s); 5.22 (4H, s); 6.91 (1H, m); 6.96 (1H, s); 7.35-7.30 (7H, m); 7.50 (2H, m); 7.60 (2H, m). 13

3 586, 588 1H NMR d (d6-DMSO): 3.11 (2H, q); 3.37 (2H, q); 3.50 (2H, q); 3.37 (2H, q); 3.50 (2H, s); 3.61 (1H, t); 5.22 (4H, s); 6.92 (2H, m); 7.34-7.42 (6H, m); 7.49 (2H, m); 7.60 (2H, m); 7.88 (1H, br s). 14

3 554, 556 1H NMR d (d6-DMSO): 0.29 (2H, m); 0.40 (2H, m); 2.16 (1H, m); 3.79 (2H, s); 5.27 (4H, s); 6.98 (2H, m); 7.40-7.48 (7H, m); 7.56 (2H, m); 7.66 (2H, m). 15

2b **** 366 364 1H NMR d (d6-DMSO): 7.05 (1H, d); 7.35 (1H, t); 7.45 (1H, dd); 7.6-7.75 (2H, m); 7.85 (1H, m); 7.9-8.0 (2H, m); 8.15 (1H, s); 13.1 (2H, br s). 16

6 1H NMR d (d6-DMSO): 2.68 (3H, s); 3.81 (1H, s); 5.15 (2H, s); 6.38 (1H, s); 6.87 (1H, s); 7.00 (1H, s); 7.37 (2H, m); 7.49 (1H, m); 7.58 (1H, m); 8.10 (1H, s); 8.21 (1H, s). 17

6 1H NMR d (d6-DMSO): 1.32 (6H, d); 4.88 (1H, m); 7.87 (1H, s); 8.05 (1H, s); 8.14 (1H, s); 8.45 (1H, s). 18

6 400, 402 (−CO2) 1H NMR d (d6-DMSO): 1.22 (6H, d); 4.36 (2H, m); 4.58 (1H, m); 6.24 (1H, s); 6.47 (1H, m); 6.84 (2H, m); 7.26 (3H, m); 7.37 (2H, m); 7.45 (1H, m); 7.76 (1H, br s). 19

6 1H NMR d (d6-DMSO): 1.21 (6H, d); 4.28 (2H, m); 4.55 (1H, m); 6.26 (1H, s); 6.43 (1H, m); 6.83 (1H, s); 6.89 (1H, s); 7.20 (1H, m); 7.26-7.37 (4H, m); 7.74 (1H, br s). 20

6 367 (−CO2) 1H NMR d (d6-DMSO): 1.23 (6H, d); 4.38 (2H, s); 4.60 (1H, m); 6.33 (1H, m); 6.89 (2H, m); 7.47 (1H, dd); 7.89 (1H, d); 8.10 (1H, s); 8.51 (1H, dd); 8.63 (1H, d). 21

6 396 (−CO2) 1H NMR d (d6-DMSO): 1.21 (6H, d); 3.81 (3H, s); 4.24 (2H, m); 4.55 (1H, m); 6.26 (2H, m); 6.84 (3H, m); 6.97 (1H, m); 7.20 (2H, m). 22

6 464, 420 (−CO2) 23

6 1H NMR d (d6-DMSO): 0.28 (2H, m); 0.52 (2H, m); 1.09 (1H, m); 1.32 (6H, d); 3.02 (2H, d); 4.69 (1H, m); 6.50 (1H, s); 6.99 (2H, s); 8.20 (1H, s). 24

6 1H NMR d (d6-DMSO): 1.24 (6H, d); 3.29 (2H, m); 3.56 (2H, t); 4.50 (2H, s); 4.58 (1H, m); 6.37 (1H, m); 6.85 (1H, s); 6.90 (1H, s); 7.26 (2H, m); 7.13 (3H, m); 8.10 (1H, s). 25

6 348 1H NMR d (d6-DMSO): 1.27 (6H, d); 2.96 (6H, s); 4.69 (1H, m); 6.39 (1H, m); 6.97 (1H, s); 7.04 (1H, s); 8.13 (1H, s); 12.89 (1H, br s). 26

2a **** 389, 391 1H NMR d (d6-DMSO): 5.21 (2H, s); 7.29-7.49 (6H, m); 7.74 (2H, s); 8.13 (1H, s); 13.1 (1H, br s). 27

1 1H NMR d (d6-DMSO): 2.31 (3H, s); 2.35 (3H, s); 3.22 (2H, t); 4.21 (2H, t); 5.12 (2H, s); 6.79 (1H, m); 7.18-7.28 (4H, m); 7.30 (1H, m); 7.54 (1H, d); 8.82 (1H, s); 12.48 (1H, br s). 28

1 1H NMR d (d6-DMSO): 2.32 (3H, s); 2.37 (3H, s); 3.34 (2H, t); 4.22 (2H, t); 5.13 (2H, s); 6.80 (1H, m); 7.19 (3H, m); 7.29 (1H, s); 7.37-7.45 (3H, m); 9.06 (1H, s); 12.48 (1H, br s). 29

1 1H NMR d (d6-DMSO): 1.28 (3H, t); 2.32 (3H, s); 2.37 (3H, s); 3.24 (2H, t); 4.14-4.29 (4H, m); 5.13 (2H, s); 6.84 (1H, m); 7.21 (4H, m); 7.29 (1H, s); 7.38 (2H, m); 8.20 (1H, s); 8.81 (1H, s). 30

2a (1) ¹H NMR d (d₆-DMSO): 1.26 (d, 6H); 4.69 (m, 1H), 5.14 (s, 2H), 6.75 (s, 1H), 7.26-7.48 (m, 7H), 8.01 (s, 1H). 31

2a (1b) 391 ¹H NMR d (d₆-DMSO): 1.0 (d, 12H); 2.0 (m, 2H), 3.8 (d, 4H), 6.75 (s, 1H), 7.25 (d, 2H), 8.15 (s, 1H). 32

¹H NMR δ (d₆-DMSO): 1.0 (d, 12H), 2.0 (m, 2H), 1H), 3.8 (d, 4H), 6.75 (s, 1H), 7.25 (d, 2H), 8.54 (d, 1H), 12.47 (bs, 1H). 33

2a (1) ¹H NMR δ (d₆-DMSO): 1.26 (d, 6H), 2.38 (s, 3H), 1H), 4.69 (m, 1H), 5.18 (s, 2H), 6.31 (s, 1H), 6.76 (s, 1H), 7.30 (s, 1H), 7.35 (s, 1H), 8.00 (s, 1H). 34

2a (1) ¹H NMR δ (d₆-DMSO): 1.26 (d, 6H), 2.39 (s, 3H), 1H), 4.70 (m, 1H), 5.20 (s, 2H), 6.31 (s, 1H), 6.79 (s, 1H), 7.27 (s, 1H), 7.32 (s, 1H), 8.12 (s, 1H). 35

1b 397 36

1b 401 37

1 ¹H NMR δ (d₆-DMSO): 1.27 (d, 6H), 2.39 (s, 3H), 1H), 4.69 (m, 1H), 5.18 (s, 2H), 6.31 (s, 1H), 6.76 (s, 1H), 7.26 (m, 2H), 7.32 (s, 1H), 8.53 (d, 1H). 36

2a (1) 379 377 ¹H NMR δ (d₆-DMSO): 12.98 (bs, 1H), 8.12 (s, 1H), 7.24 (s, 1H), 6.66 (s, 1H), 4.70 (m, 1H), 3.79 (d, 2H), 2.01 (m, 1H), 1.28 (d, 6H), 0.98 (d, 6H). 37

2a (1b) 365 ¹H NMR d (d₆-DMSO): 1.25 (d, 12H), 4.7 (hept, 2H), 6.65 (s, 1H), 7.2 (s, 2H), 8.15 (s, 1H). 38

2a (1) ¹H NMR δ (d₆-DMSO): 2.64 (s, 3H), 5.16 (s, 4H), 1H), 6.90 (s, 1H), 7.29-7.47 (m, 7H), 7.53 (s, 1H), 1H), 8.03 (m, 1H), 12.90 (bs, 1H). 39

2a (1) ¹H NMR δ (d₆-DMSO): 2.64 (s, 3H), 5.17 (s, 4H), 1H), 6.93 (s, 1H), 7.29-7.45 (m, 7H), 7.53 (s, 1H), 1H), 8.13 (m, 1H). 40

1 ¹H NMR δ (d₆-DMSO): 2.64 (s, 3H), 5.14 (s, 4H), 1H), 6.90 (s, 1H), 7.26 (d, 1H), 7.31-7.47 (m, 7H), 7.49 (m, 1H), 7.55 (d, 1H), 12.56 (bs, 1H). 41

1b 349 42

2a (1) ¹H NMR δ (d₆-DMSO): 5.22 (s, 4H), 6.96 (s, 1H), 7.20-7.29 (m, 4H), 7.37-7.44 (m, 4H), 7.55 (m, 2H), 8.12 (s, 1H). 43

2a (1) ¹H NMR δ (d₆-DMSO): 5.21 (s, 4H), 6.93 (s, 1H), 7.19-7.29 (m, 4H), 7.38-7.46 (m, 4H), 7.56 (m, 2H), 8.03 (s, 1H). 44

2a (1) ¹H NMR δ (d₆-DMSO): 2.38 (s, 3H), 3.25 (t, 2H), 4.24 (t, 2H), 4.65 (d, 2H), 5.27 (d, 1H), 5.42 (d, 1H), 6.05 (m, 1H), 6.78 (s, 1H), 7.32 (s, 2H), 8.15 (s, 1H), 8.90 (s, 1H), 12.94 (br s, 1H). 45

2a (1) ¹H NMR δ (d₆-DMSO): 2.32 (s, 3H), 2.34 (s, 3H), 3.22 (t, 2H), 4.21 (t, 2H), 5.13 (s, 2H), 6.82 (s, 1H), 7.16-7.25 (m, 3H), 7.30 (1H, s), 7.39 (1H, m), 7.98 (s, 1H), 8.81 (s, 1H). 46

2a * 419 417 ¹H NMR δ (d₆-DMSO): 3.8 (s, 3H), 5.3 (s, 2H), 7.15 (dd, 1H), 7.2-7.4 (m, 4H), 7.5 (d, 1H), 7.6 (d, 1H) 8.0 (s, 1H). 47

2a * 427 425 ¹H NMR δ (d₆-DMSO): 1.1 (d, 6H), 2.85 (hept, 1H), 3.75 (s, 3H), 5.2 (s, 2H), 7.0-7.3 (m, 6H) 7.4 (d, 1H), 8.0 (s, 1H). 48

2a ** 405 403 ¹H NMR δ (d₆-DMSO): 2.34 (s, 3H), 3.20 (t, 2H), 4.13 (t, 2H), 6.43 (s, 1H), 6.92 (s, 1H), 6.97 (s, 1H) 8.09 (s, 1H), 8.83 (s, 1H), 12.75 (bs, 1H) 49

2a * ¹H NMR δ (d₆-DMSO): 2.33 (s, 3H), 2.36 (2.36, 3H), 3.23 (t, 2H), 4.22 (t, 2H), 5.15 (s, 2H), 7.21 (s, 1H), 7.02-7.44 (m, 6H), 8.13 (s, 1H), 8.85 (s, 1H), 12.92 (bs, 1H) 50

6 ** ¹H NMR δ (d₆-DMSO): 2.32 (s, 3H), 2.34 (s, 3H), 3.19 (t, 2H), 4.12 (t, 2H), 4.25 (s, 2H), 6.37 (s, 1H), 6.92 (d, 2H), 7.08-7.21 (m, 3H), 7.25 (dd, 1H), 8.10 (s, 1H), 8.85 (s, 1H), 12.76 (bs, 1H) 51

6 ** 52

1 ¹H NMR δ (d₆-DMSO): 1.28 (t, 3H), 2.35 (s, 3H), 3.22 (t, 2H), 4.11 (t, 2H), 4.27 (q, 2H), 4.63 (d, 2H), 5.26 (dd, 1H), 5.39 (d, 1H), 6.04 (m, 1H), 6.76 (t, 1H), 7.28 (d, 2H), 8.21 (s, 1H), 8.81 (s, 1H), 13.02 (bs, 1H) 53

1b 261 259 ¹H NMR δ (d₆-DMSO): 4.58 (d, 2H), 5.31 (dd, 1H), 5.45 (dd, 1H), 6.04 (m, 1H), 6.95 (d, 1H), 7.11 (d, 1H), 7.18 (m, 1H), 7.41 (t, 1H), 7.55 (m, 2H), 12.09 (br s, 1H). 54

2a 445 ¹H NMR δ (d₆-DMSO): 0.98 (d, 6H), 1.98-2.05 (m, 1H), 3.81 (d, 2H), 5.20 (s, 2H), 6.81 (s, 1H), 7.0-7.1 (m, 2H), 7.35 (s, 1H), 7.38-7.45 (m, 2H), 7.58 (t, 1H), 8.03 (s, 1H), 12.90 (br s, 1H). 55

2a 441 ¹H NMR δ (d₆-DMSO): 0.98 (d, 6H), 1.98-2.05 (m, 1H), 2.36 (s, 3H), 3.81 (d, 2H), 5.17 (s, 2H), 6.81 7.17-7.23 (m, 3H), 7.32 (s, 1H), 7.40 (ap d, 2H), 8.01 (s, 1H) 56

2a ¹H NMR δ (d₆-DMSO): 1.27 (d, 6H), 4.71 (sept, 1H), 5.16 (d, 2H), 6.78 (d, 1H), 7.25-7.51 (m, 7H), 8.12 (s, 1H), 12.98 (bs, 1H) 57

2a 434 432 ¹H NMR δ (d₆-DMSO): 0.98 (d, 6H), 1.98-2.05 (m, 1H), 3.81 (d, 2H), 5.26 (s, 2H), 6.83 (ap t, 1H), 7.30 (s, 1H), 7.39 (s, 1H), 7.79 (s, 1H), 8.12 (s, 1H), 9.1 (s, 1H). 58

1b 335 59

1b 293 60

1 ¹H NMR δ (d₆-DMSO): 1.29 (d, 6H), 4.74 (sept, 1H), 5.22 (s, 2H), 6.79 (t, 1H), 7.19-7.32 (m, 4H), 7.37 (t, 1H), 7.43 (m, 1H), 7.56 (m, 2H), 12.61 (bs, 1H) 61

2a ¹H NMR δ (d₆-DMSO): 1.26 (d, 6H), 4.64-4.76 (m, 1H), 5.20 (s, 2H), 6.78 (s, 1H), 7.18-7.34 (m, 3H), 7.36-7.46 (m, 2H), 7.50-7.60 (m, 1H), 7.98 (s, 1H) 62

2a ¹H NMR δ (d₆-DMSO): 1.27 (d, 6H), 4.71 (m, 1H), 5.20 (s, 2H), 6.78-6.84 (m, 1H), 7.18-7.31 (m, 3H), 7.34-7.49 (m, 2H), 7.52-7.61 (m, 1H), 8.12 (s, 1H), 12.98 (bs, 1H) 63

2a 377 ¹H NMR δ (d₆-DMSO): 0.0-0.2 (m, 2H), 0.22-0.3 (m, 2H), 0.98 (d, 6H), 3.59 (d, 2H), 4.35-4.42 (m, 1H), 6.4 (s, 1H), 6.93 (s, 2H), 7.82 (s, 1H). 64

2a 403 ¹H NMR δ (d₆-DMSO): 1.29 (d, 6H), 4.78 (m, 1H), 4.86 (q, 2H), 6.89 (ap t, 1H), 7.36 (ap t, 2H), 8.17 (s, 1H), 13.05 (bs) 65

1 **** ¹H NMR δ (d₆-DMSO): 1.29 (d, 6H), 4.72 (m, 1H), 5.19 (s, 2H), 6.88-6.97 (m, 1H), 7.09 (m, 1H), 7.16-7.26 (m, 3H), 7.54 (d, 1H), 7.61 (s, 1H), 7.70 (s, 1H), 12.05 (bs, 1H). 66

2a *** ¹H NMR δ (d₆-DMSO): 1.29 (d, 6H), 4.74 (m, 1H), 5.18 (s, 2H), 6.87-6.97 (m, 1H), 7.11 (m, 1H), 7.16-7.26 (m, 3H), 7.63 (s, 1H), 7.71 (s, 1H), 8.11 (s, 1H). 67

2a *** ¹H NMR δ (d₆-DMSO): 1.29 (d, 6H), 4.74 (m, 1H), 5.18 (s, 2H), 6.89-6.97 (m, 1H), 7.09 (m, 1H), 7.17-7.26 (m, 3H), 7.66 (s, 1H), 7.74 (s, 1H), 7.99 (s, 1H). 68

1b 457 69

1b 404 70

23 ¹H NMR δ (d₆-DMSO): 1.28 (d, 6H), 4.51 (s, 2H), 4.71 (m, 1H), 7.05 (s, 1H), 7.25 (d, 1H), 7.50 (s, 1H), 7.53 (d, 1H), 7.58 (s, 1H), 12.50 (bs, 1H). 71

2a 405 403 ¹H NMR δ (d₆-DMSO): 1.14 (d, 6H), 1.3-1.4 (m, 1H), 1.42-1.62 (m, 4H), 1.65-1.82 (m, 2H), 3.9 (d, 2H), 4.62-4.78 (m, 1H), 6.68 (s, 1H), 7.22 (s, 2H), 8.12 (s, 1H). 72

2a 381 379 ¹H NMR δ (d₆-DMSO): 1.25 (d, 6H), 3.3 (s, 3H), 4.6-4.8 (hept, 1H), 6.75 (t, 1H), 7.25 (d, 2H), 8.15 (s, 1H), 13.0 (bs, 2H). 73

2a 379 377 ¹H NMR δ (d₆-DMSO): 3.85 (s, 3H), 5.25 (s, 2H), 6.9 (m, 1H), 7.2-7.35 (m, 3H), 7.4-7.5 (m, 2H), 7.6-7.35 (m, 3H), 7.4-7.5 (m, 2H), 7.6-7.7 (t of d, 1H) 8.15 (s, 1H), 13.0 (bs, 2H). 74

2a 401 ¹H NMR δ (d₆-DMSO): 0.9 (t, 3H), 1.2-1.3 (d, 3H + d, 6H) 1.5-1.75 (m, 2H), 4.45 (hex, 1H), 4.75 (hept, 1H), 6.7 (t, 1H), 7.2 (d, 2H), 8.15 (s, 1H), 13.0 (bs, 2H). 75

22 ¹H NMR δ (d₆-DMSO): 1.31 (d, 6H), 4.82 (m, 1H), 7.26 (d, 1H), 7.56 (d, 1H), 7.59 (s, 1H), 7.94 (d, 1H), 8.15 (s, 1H), 10.00 (s, 1H), 12.77 (bs, 1H). 76

2a ¹H NMR δ (d₆-DMSO): 0.97 (d, 3H), 1.26 (s, 6H), 1.72 (t, 2H), 3.85-4.20 (m, 2H), 4.56-4.83 (m, 1H), 6.69 (s, 1H), 7.00 (s, 1H), 7.26 (s, 1H) 8.11 (s, 1H) 77

2a 359 ¹H NMR δ (d₆-DMSO): 1.30 (d, 6H), 3.30 (s, 1H), 4.74 (m, 1H), 4.88 (s, 2H), 6.80 (s, 1H), 7.31 (app d, 2H), 8.15 (s, 1H), 10.01 (bs, 1H) 78

2a 407 405 ¹H NMR δ (d₆-DMSO): 0.91 (t, 6H), 1.29 (d, 6H), 1.37-1.53 (m, 4H), 1.56-1.70 (m, 1H), 3.30 (d, 2H), 4.73 (m, 1H), 6.72 (s, 1H) 7.26 (app d, 2H), 8.14 (s, 1H), 13.00 (bs, 1H) 79

1 378 ¹H NMR δ (d₆-DMSO): 0.98 (d, 6H), 1.28 (d, 6H), 2.02 (m, 1H), 3.80 (d, 2H) 4.65 (m, 1H), 6.75 (ap t, 1H), 7.25 (ap d, 2H), 8.68 (s, 1H) 80

28 533 ¹H NMR δ (d₆-DMSO): 1.22 (d, 6H), 1.61 (s, 6H), 4.58-4.64 (m, 1H), 6.62 (s, 1H) 7.19 (s, 1H), 7.40 (s, 1H), 8.05 (s, 1H), 8.12 (s, 1H). 81

2a ¹H NMR δ (d₆-DMSO): 1.29 (d, 6H), 4.50 (m, 2H), 4.71 (m, 1H), 5.26 (bs, 1H) 7.08 (s, 1H), 7.53 (s, 1H), 7.60 (s, 1H), 8.01 (s, 1H), 13.00 (bs, 1H). 82

21 ¹H NMR δ (d₆-DMSO): 1.32 (d, 6H), 2.80 (s, 3H), 3.37-3.63 (m, 4H), 3.95-4.10 (m, 4H) 4.39 (m, 2H), 4.76 (m, 1H), 1H), 7.29 (d, 1H), 7.53 (m, 3H), 7.68 (s, 1H), 7.79 (s, 1H), 12.77 (bs, 1H). 83

21 ¹H NMR δ (d₆-DMSO): 1.31 (d, 6H), 2.71 (s, 6H), 4.26 (m, 2H), 4.76 (m, 1H), 7.29 (d, 1H), 7.42 (m, 1H), 7.55 (d, 1H), 7.70 (s, 1H), 10.66 (bs, 1H). 84

21 ¹H NMR δ (d₆-DMSO): 1.31 (d, 6H), 3.03-3.16 (m, 4H), 3.71-3.95 (m, 4H), 4.34 (m, 2H), 4.77 (m, 1H) 7.47 (m, 1H), 7.72 (m, 2H), 8.13 (s, 1H). 85

21 ¹H NMR δ (d₆-DMSO): 0.41 (m, 2H), 0.60 (m, 2H), 1.14 (m, 1H), 1.35 (d, 6H) 2.85 (m, 2H), 4.19 (m, 2H), 4.81 (m, 1H), 7.32 (d, 1H), 7.46 (s, 1H), 7.60 (d, 1H), 7.72 (s, 1H), 7.80 (s, 1H), 9.35 (bs, 2H). 86

21 ¹H NMR δ (d₆-DMSO): 1.27 (m, 12H), 3.26 (m, 2H), 4.14 (m, 2H), 4.76 (m, 1H), 7.26 (d, 1H), 7.45 (s, 1H), 7.55 (d, 1H), 7.68 (s, 1H), 7.76 (s, 1H), 9.18 (bs, 2H). 87

21 ¹H NMR δ (d₆-DMSO): 0.72 (m, 2H), 0.89 (m, 2H), 1.32 (d, 6H), 2.66 (m, 1H), 4.21 (m, 2H), 4.75 (m, 1H), 7.26 (d, 1H), 7.42 (s, 1H), 7.75 (d, 1H), 7.68 (s, 1H), 7.76 (s, 1H), 9.53 (bs, 2H). 88

1 (See Ex 26) 351 349 ¹H NMR δ (d₆-DMSO): 1.27 (d, 6H), 3.70 (s, 3H), 4.71 (m, 1H), 4.86 (s, 2H), 6.99 (t, 1H), 7.23 (t, 1H), 7.26-7.27 (m, 2H), 12.53 (s, 1H). 89

24) ¹H NMR δ (d₆-DMSO): 1.32 (d, 6H), 4.79 (m, 1H), 7.62 (m, 1H), 7.92 (m, 1H), 8.13 (s, 1H), 8.18 (s, 1H), 10.03 (s, 1H). 90

26 419 417 ¹H NMR δ (d₆-DMSO): 1.28 (d, 6H), 2.18 (s, 3H), 2.24 (m, 2H), 2.32 (m, 2H), 3.44 (ap t, 4H), 4.65 (m, 1H), 4.85 (s, 2H), 6.68 (ap t, 1H), 7.19 (m, 1H), 7.24 (ap d, 2H), 7.75 (ap d, 1H) 12.45 (bs, 1H). 91

25 ¹H NMR δ (d₆-DMSO): 1.01 (d, 6H), 1.29 (d, 6H), 2.81 (m, 1H), 4.72 (m, 1H), 6.53 (dd, 1H), 6.29 (d, 1H), 6.97 (s, 1H), 1H), 7.50 (s, 1H), 7.53 (s, 1H), 8.11 (s, 1H), 8.18 (s, 1H). 92

1 ¹H NMR δ (d₆-DMSO): 1.29 (d, 9H), 4.28 (q, 2H), 4.53 (d, 2H), 4.71 (m, 1H), 5.26 (t, 1H (−OH)), 7.10 (s, 1H), 7.53 (s, 1H), 7.60 (s, 1H), 8.20 (s, 1H), 13.01 (bs, 1H). 93

1 ¹H NMR δ (d₆-DMSO): 1.34 (d, 3H), 1.39 (m, 6H), 4.30 (q, 2H), 4.84 (m, 1H), 7.58 (s, 1H), 7.97 (s, 1H), 8.17 (s, 1H), 8.26 (s, 1H), 10.09 (s, 1H). 94

1a 307 95

1a 307 96

2a, 1c 389 387 δ_(H) (300 MHz, DMSO-d₆)- 0.04-0.06 (4H, m), 0.22-0.35 (4H, m), 0.85-1.05 (2H, m); 3.54-4.64 (4H, d); 6.44 (1H, m); 6.93 (6.93-6.97 (2H, m); 7.84 (1H, s) 97

1b (HATU) 389.38 387.34 δ_(H) (300 MHz, DMSO-d₆) 1.30 (6H, d), 3.08 (2H, t), 4.25 (2H, t), 4.73 (1H, hept), 6.70 (1H, s), 7.14 (1H, d), 7.3 (4H, m), 7.48 (1H, m), 7.57 (1H, d), 12.55 (1H, br s) 98

1a 349 99

1b (HATU) 374.43 373.39 δ_(H) (300 MHz, DMSO-d₆) 0.98 (6H, d), 1.27 (6H, d), 2.00 (1H, m), 3.80 (2H, d), 4.24 (2H, s), 4.70 (1H, hept), 6.66 (1H, t), 7.23 (2H, d), 7.46 (1H, s), 12.59 (1H, br s). 100 

1a 401 101 

1a 415 102 

3 (e) (CM1a) 395.19 393.19 δ_(H) (300 MHz, CDCl₃) 1.02 (6H, d), 1.35 (6H, d), 2.08 (4H, m), 3.74 (4H, m), 4.60 (1H, hept), 6.64 (1H, m), 6.78 (1H, s), 7.00 (1H, m). 103 

3 (e) (CM1a) 393.22 391.21 δ_(H) (300 MHz, CDCl₃) 1.02 (6H, d), 1.26 (3H, t), 1.35 (6H, d), 2.08 (1H, m), 3.60 (2H, q), 3.74 (d, 2H), 4.47 (2H, s), 4.58 (1H, hept), 6.64 (1H, m), 6.88 (1H, s), 7.02 (1H, m). 104 

411.42 409.38 δ_(H) (300 MHz, DMSO-d₆) 0.98 (6H, d), 1.27 (6H, d), 2.02 (1H, m) 2.55 (3H, s), 3.80 (2H, d), 4.14 (2H, s), 4.70 (1H, hept), 6.66 (1H, s), 7.23 (3H, m), 12.62 (1H, br s). 105 

1a 427.39 425.38 δ_(H) (300 MHz, CDCl₃) 1.02 (6H, d), 1.36 (6H, d), 2.08 (1H, hept) 6.68 (1H, m), 7.00 (2H, m), 7.69 (1H, s). 106 

1b (HATU) 349.45 347.43 δ_(H) (300 MHz, CDCl₃) 0.95 (6H, d), 1.25 (6H, d), 1.95-2.05 (1H, m), 2.2 (3H, s), 3.65 (2H, d), 6.7 (1H, m), 6.98 (1H, m), 7.02 (1H, m). 107 

1b (HATU) 403.39 401.37 δ_(H) (300 MHz, DMSO-d₆) 1.25 (6H, d), 2.38 (3H, s), 3.05 (2H, t), 4.6-4.8 (1H, m), 7.05 (1H, d), 7.10-7.12 (3H, m), m), 7.15 (1H, m), 7.42-7.45 (1H, m) 108 

1b (HATU) 401.42 399.39 δ_(H) (300 MHz, CDCl₃) 1.25 (6H, d), 2.3 (3H, s), 4.4-4.6 (1H, m), 5.05 (2H, s), 6.65 (1H, m), 6.85 (1H, s), 7.0-7.15 (4H, m), 7.2-7.3 (1H, m), 7.38-7.42 (1H, m). 109 

1b (HATU) 467.38 465.37 δ_(H) (300 MHz, DMSO-d₆) 2.35 (3H, s), 5.2 (4H, s), 6.95 (1H, s), 7.2-7.3 (5H, m), 7.4-7.45 (4H, m), 7.5-7.6 (2H, m). 110 

1b (HATU) 467.37 465.38 δ_(H) (300 MHz, CDCl₃) 1.9 (3H, s), 4.95 (4H, s), 6.4 (1H, s), s), 6.9-7.1 (6H, m), 7.15-7.25 (2H, m), 7.3-7.4 (2H, m). 111 

2a, 1a 433 431 δ_(H) (500 MHz, DMSO-d₆) 1.27 (6H, d), 3.06 (2H, t), 4.25 (2H, t), 4.72 (1H, m), 6.71 (1H, s), 7.12 (1H, d), 7.23-7.32 (3H, br m), 7.46 (1H, m), 8.10 (1H, s). 112 

2a, 1a 433 431 δ_(H) (500 MHz, DMSO-d₆) 1.28 (6H, d), 3.06 (2H, t), 4.24 (2H, t), 4.72 (1H, m), 6.69 (1H, s), 7.12 (1H, d), 7.27 (1H, s), 7.31 (2H, s), 7.47 (1H, m), 8.02 (1H, s). 113 

21 439.44 437.39 δ_(H) (300 MHz, DMSO-d₆) 1.25 (6H, d), 3.0-3.2 (2H, m), 3.3-3.55 (4H, m), 4.3-4.5 (4H, m), 4.75-4.85 (1H, m), 7.25 (1H d), 7.55-7.6 (2H, m), 7.95 (1H, s), 7.75 (1H, s), 7.95 (1H, s), 8.1 (1H, s), 8.4 (1H, s). 114 

3 430.40 428.38 δ_(H) (300 MHz, CDCl₃) 1.25 (6H, d), 2.42 (3H, s), 3.82 (2H, s), 4.45-4.6 (1H, m), 5.05 (2H, s), 6.6 (1H, s), 6.95-7.15 (3H, m), 7.2-7.25 (2H, m), 7.35-7.45 (1H, m). 115 

3 474.42 472.40 116 

21 419.47 417.44 δ_(H) (300 MHz, DMSO-d₆) 1.25 (6H, d), 3.25 (3H, s), 3.3-3.75 (12H, m), 4.3-4.45 (2H, m), 4.75-4.8 (1H, m), 7.25 (1H, d), 7.5-7.6 (2H, m), 7.7 (1H, s), m), 7.8 (1H, s). 117 

21 453.39 451.37 118 

3 458.39 456.42 119 

21 495.43 δ_(H) (300 MHz, DMSO-d₆) 1.25 (6H, d), 3.3-3.65 (8H, m), 4.2-4.5 (2H, m), 4.7-4.8 (1H, m), 6.05 (2H, s), 6.95 (1H, d), m), 7.05 (1H, d), 7.25 (2H, m), 7.55 (2H, m), 7.7 (1H, s), 7.8 (1H, s). 120 

3 490.43 488.42 121 

3 470.48 468.47 122 

3 488.49 486.47 123 

3 486.51 484.51 124 

21 467.50 465.49 125 

21 455.48 453.46 126 

21 467.50 465.48 127 

21 453.49 451.47 128 

21 459.49 457.47 129 

21 390.51 388.47 130 

21 446.51 444.49 131 

21 431.55 429.51 132 

1b (HATU) 401.37 399.33 δ_(H) (300 MHz, DMSO-d₆) 2.08 (3H, s), 5.12 (2H, s), 5.24 (2H, s), 7.23 (4H, m), 7.42 (1H, m), 7.56 (2H, m), 7.68 (1H, s), 7.76 (1H, s), 12.64 (1H, br s). 133 

2a (f) 359.43 357.39 δ_(H) (300 MHz, DMSO-d₆) 4.55 (2H, d), 5.23 (2H, s), 7.23 (4H, m), 7.42 (1H, m), 7.56 (2H, m), 7.68 (2H, m), 12.56 (1H, br s). 134 

3 474.48 472.47 135 

3 460.46 458.43 136 

3 472.51 470.49 137 

3 472.51 470.49 138 

3 488.51 486.52 139 

3 486.49 484.47 140 

3 486.50 484.49 141 

3 444.45 442.41 142 

21 441.43 439.42 δ_(H) (300 MHz, DMSO-d₆) 2.82 (3H, s), 3.49 (8H, m), 4.54 (1H, d), 5.24 (3H, m), 7.30 (3H, m), 7.45 (2H, m), 7.59 (2H, m), 7.81 (2H, m), 12.65 (1H, br s). 143 

21 505.45 503.38 δ_(H) (300 MHz, DMSO-d₆) 3.15 (2H, s), 3.45 (2H, m), 4.25 (4H, m), 4.52 (1H, d), 5.25 (3H, m), 7.27 (3H, m), 7.45 (1H, m), 7.62 (3H, m), 7.90 (3H, m), 8.16 (1H, s), 8.42 (1H, s), 12.70 (1H, br s). 144 

21 521.43 δ_(H) (300 MHz, DMSO-d₆) 3.33 (8H, m), 4.52 (1H, d), 5.27 (3H, m), 7.03 (5H, m), 7.28 (3H, m), 7.45 (1H, m), 7.65 (3H, m), 7.89 (1H, m), 9.20 (1H, br s), 12.69 (1H, br s). 145 

21 361.50 359.46 δ_(H) (300 MHz, CDCl₃) 1.36 (6H, d), 2.56 (4H, m), 3.04 (4H, m), 3.53 (2H, s), 4.61 (1H, hept), 6.95 (1H, d), 7.07 (1H, m), 7.24 (1H, m), 7.44 (2H, m). 146 

21 382.12 380.13 ¹H NMR δ (CDCl₃) 1.37 (d, 6H), 2.3 (m, 2H), 2.7 (m, 2H), 2.7 (m, 2H), 2.85 (m, 2H), 4.6 (m, 1H), 6.95 (m, 1H), 7.1 (m, 1H), 7.2 (m, 1H), 7.4 (m, 2H) 147 

21 396.45 394.4 ¹H NMR δ (CDCl₃) 1.37 (d, 6H), 1.95 (m, 4H, 2.5 (m, 4H), 3.55 (s, 2H), 4.6 (m, 1H), 7.0 (d, 1H), 7.1 (m, 1H), 7.6 (m, 1H) 148 

1b (HATU) 396.12 380.13 ¹H NMR δ (CDCl₃) 1.37 (d, 6H), 2.3 (m, 2H), 2.7 (m, 2H), 2.7 (m, 2H), 2.85 (m, 2H), 4.6 (m, 1H), 6.95 (m, 1H), 7.1 (m, 1H), 7.2 (m, 1H), 7.4 (m, 2H) 149 

1b (HATU) 403.39 401.36 δ_(H) (300 MHz, DMSO-d₆) 2.09 (3H, s), 3.26 (2H, t), 4.30 (2H, t), 5.08 (2H, s), 6.98 (2H, m), 7.17 (1H, s), 7.26 (1H, d), 7.35 (1H, m), 7.54 (1H, d), 7.64 (2H, br s), 12.62 (1H, br s). 150 

2a (g) 361.41 359.38 151 

3 432.40 430.37 152 

3 476.48 474.47 153 

3 372.48 470.45 154 

3 462.45 460.43 155 

21 462.41 460.43 156 

21 521.42 519.40 157 

21 507.48 158 

21 453.52 451.49 ¹H NMR δ (CDCl₃) 1.35 (d, 6H), 2.5 (m, 2H) 3.65 (m, 4H), 4.65 (m, 1H), 6.3 (d 1H), 6.95 (d, 1H), 7.1 (m, 1H), 7.35 (d, 1H), 7.5 (m, 1H), 7.58 (s, 1H), 8.1 (d, 1H) 159 

21 461.49 459.48 160 

1b (HATU) (h) 453.44 451.40 161 

1b (HATU) (h) 406.40 162 

21 (i) 467.50 465.49 163 

21 (i) 506.47 504.46 164 

21 (i) 505.46 503.43 165 

21 (i) 541.39 539.35 166 

21 429.54 427.51 Notes: * Final products prepared by hydrolysis method 2a; requisite starting materials prepared according to generic alkylation methodology followed by coupling (Route 1). ** Final products prepared by reductive amination method 6 method; requisite starting materials prepared according to generic alkylation methodolgy followed by coupling (Route 1) and hydrolysis (Route 2a). *** Final products prepared by hydrolysis (Route 2a) or acid chloride coupling (Route 1); requisite starting materials prepared according to generic alkylation methodolgy followed by coupling (Route 1). **** For Examples II₂, II₇, II₁₅ and II₂₆, the ester intermediates were prepared by route 1:

¹H NMR δ (d₆-DMSO): 1.3 (3H, t); 4.3 (2H, q); 5.25 (4H, s); 7.0 (1H, t); 7.4 (6H, m); 7.5 (2H, m); 7.6 (2H, m); 8.2 (1H, s)

exemplified as Example II₃.

¹H NMR δ (d₆-DMSO): 1.3 (3H, t); 4.3 (2H, q); 5.2 (4H, s); 6.95 (1H, t); 7.2-7.5 (12H, m); 8.2 (1H, s); 13.05 (1H, br s); the spectrum also contains signals to trace amounts of 2-aminothazole.

not characterised.

MH+ = 389, 391 M − H = 387, 389

EXAMPLE JJ

By analogous methods to those described above the following compounds, Example numbers JJ₁ to JJ₅₇, were also made. Ex- am- (M + (M − ple Structure Route H)+ H)− NMR  1

 7 426.19 424.25 1H NMR d (d6-DMSO): 5.17 (m, 6H), 6.80 (s, 1H), 7.00 (d, 1H), 7.26 to 7.46 (m, 12H), 7.71 (s, 1H), 7.78 (d, 1H), 10.28 (br s, 1H)  2

 8 552.22 1H NMR d (d6-DMSO): 1.55 (s, 6H), 2.08 (s, 3H), 5.18 (s, 4H), 6.85 (s, 1H), 7.29 to 7.50 (m, 12H), 7.98 (dd, 1H), 8.13 (d, 1H), 8.61 (s, 1H), 9.70 (s, 1H), 10.72 (s, 1H)  3

 9 512.16 510.22 1H NMR d (d6-DMSO): 1.35 (s, 6H), 5.18 (s,4H), 6.88 (s,1H), 7.28 to 7.48 (m, 12H), 8.08 (d, 1H), 8.22 (d, 1H), 8.82 (s,1H), 9.90 (s, 1H), 10.96 (s, 1H)  4

 8 502.49 1H NMR d (d6-DMSO): 3.02 (s, 3H), 5.17 (s, 4H), 6.86 (s, 1H), 7.29 to 7.58 (m, 12H), 7.70 (d, 1H), 8.13 (d, 1H), 8.24 (s, 1H), 9.83 (s, 1H), 10.83 (s, 1H)  5

 8 526.41 524.45 1H NMR d (d6-DMSO): 2.13 (s, 3H), 4.65 (s,2H), 5.18 (s, 4H), 6.84 (s, 1H), 7.27 to 7.48 (m, 12H), 7.96 (d, 1H), 8.13 (d, 1H), 8.61 (s, 1H), 10.24 (s, 1H), 10.73 (s, 1H)  6

 8 498.55 496.55 1H NMR d (d6-DMSO): 3.39 (s, 3H), 4.01 (s, 1H), 5.18, (s, 4H), 6.85 (s, 1H), 7.28 to 7.50 (m, 12H), 8.07 (m, 2H), 8.67 (s, 1H), 9.95 (s, 1H), 10.71 (s, 1H)  7

 8 540.58 538.63 1H NMR d (d6-DMSO): 1.20 (t, 3H), 3.47 (s, 2H), 4.11 (q, 2H), 5.17 (s, 4H), 6.83 (s, 1H), 7.28 to 7.48 (m, 12H), 7.95 (d, 1H), 8.13 (d, 1H), 8.60 (s, 1H), 10.35 (s, 1H), 10.73 (s, 1H)  8

 8 526.53 524.61 1H NMR d (d6-DMSO): 1.30 (t, 3H), 4.30 (q, 2H), 5.17 (s, 4H), 6.86 (s, 1H), 7.28 to 7.50 (m, 12H), 8.14 (s, 2H), 8.74 (s, 1H), 10.78 (s, 1H), 10.97 (s, 1H)  9

10 525.61 523.66 1H NMR d (d6-DMSO): 1.30 (s, 9H), 5.18 (s, 4H), 6.09 (s, 1H), 6.85 (s, 1H), 7.32-7.50 (m, 12H), 7.78 (dd, 1H), 8.04 (d, 1H), 8.38 (s, 1H), 8.44 (s, 1H), 10.65 (s, 1H) 10

 9 512.4 1H NMR d (d6-DMSO): 3.41 (s, 2H), 5.17 (s, 4H), 6.90 (s, 1H), 7.29 to 7.54 (m, 12H), 8.03 (d, 1H), 8.13 (d, 1H), 8.70 (s, 1H), 10.50 (s, 1H), 10.85 (s, 1H) 11

 9 484.4 1H NMR d (d6-DMSO): 4.04 (s, 2H), 5.20 (s, 4H),6.89 (s, 1H), 7.30 to 7.51 (m, 12 H), 8.12 (d, 1H), 8.22 (d, 1H), 8.81 (s, 1H), 10.05 (s, 1H), 11.00 (s, 1H) 12

 7 476.36 1H NMR d (d6-DMSO): 5.14 (s, 2H), 5.32 (s, 4H), 6.90 (s, 1H), 7.01 (dd, 1H), 7.35 (s, 2H), 7.59 (m, 2H), 7.80 (m, 6H), 7.90 (d, 2H), 10.38 (s, 1H) +0.1 EtOAc 13

 8 604.29 602.3 1H NMR d (d6-DMSO): 1.55 (s, 6H), 2.07 (s, 3H), 5.33 (s, 4H), 6.95 (s, 1H), 7.40 (s, 2H), 7.56 (m, 2H), 7.73 (m, 4H), 7.90 (d, 2H), 7.98 (dd, 1H), 8.13 (d, 1H), 8.63 (s, 1H), 9.71 (s, 1H), 10.82 (s, 1H) 14

 9 562.28 560.27 1H NMR d (d6-DMSO): 1.34 (s, 6H), 5.32 (s, 4H), 6.97 (s, 1H), 7.40 (s, 2H), 7.57 (m, 2H), 7.75 (m, 4H), 7.90 (d, 2H), 8.09 (d, 1H), 8.21 (dd, 1H), 8.82 (s, 1H), 9.90 (s, 1H), 10.99 (s, 1H) 15

11 534.41 1H NMR d (d6-DMSO): 3.22 (t, 2H), 3.28 (2, 3H), 3.50 (t, 2H), 5.31 (s, 4H), 6.92 (s, 1H), 7.12 (dd, 1H), 7.34 (s, 2H), 7.57 (m, 2H), 7.75 (m, 5H), 7.82 (d, 1H), 7.91 (d, 2H), 10.49 (br s, 1H) 16

11 547.86 1H NMR d (d6-DMSO): 2.20 (s, 6H), 3.12 (m, 2H), 5.32 (s, 4H), 5.51 (br s, 1H), 6.89 (s, 1H), 7.06 (dd, 1H), 7.37 (s, 2H), 7.57 (m, 2H), 7.74 (m, 5H), 7.83 (d, 1H), 7.92 (d, 2H), 10.41 (s, 1H), and 2H under DMSO or water 17

11 504.54 1H NMR d (d6-DMSO): 1.15 (t, 3H), 3.06 (quartet, 2H), 5.32 (s, 4H), 6.90 (s, 1H), 7.00 (dd, 1H), 7.35 (s, 2H), 7.57 (m, 2H), 7.73 (m, 5H), 7.85 (d, 1H), 7.92 (d, 2H), 10.41 (s,1H) 18

12 485.5 483.5 1H NMR d (d6-DMSO): 5.13 (s, 2H), 5.18 (s,2H), 5.31 (s, 1H), 6.88 (s, 1H), 7.00 (dd, 1H), 7.32 (s, 2H), 7.40 (m, 3H), 7.50 (s, 1H), 7.58 (m, 1H), 7.74 (m, 3H), 7.80 (d, 1H), 7.90 (d, 1H), 10.33 (s, 1H) 19

 1 493, 495 1H NMR d (d6-DMSO): 2.35 (3H, s); 5.31 (4H, s); 6.98 (1H, t); 7.43-7.48 (6H, m); 7.58-7.61 (2H, m); 7.65-7.71 (3H, m); 8.14 (1H, d); 8.29 (1H, s); 10.84 (1H, s) 20

13 525 1H NMR d (d6-DMSO): 3.10 (2H, m); 3.30 (6H, s); 3.60 (2H, m); 5.19 (4H, s); 6.89 (1H, s); 7.31-7.48 (12H, m); 8.29 (2H, m); 8.92 (1H, s); 11.05 (1H, s) 21

14 509 ¹H NMR d (d₆-DMSO): 4.5 (1H, d), 5.25 (s, 4H), 6.9 (s, 1H), 7.40 (m, 6H), 7.5 (m, 2H), 7.6 (m, 2H), 7.75 (dd, 1H), 8.10 (d, 1H), 8.3 (s, 1H), 10.8 (br s, 1H); 22

 1 494/ 496 1H NMR d (d6-DMSO): 5.25 (4H, s); 5.65 (2H, s); 6.23 (1H, d); 6.85 (1H, s); 7.05-7.15 (3H,m); 7.18-7.22 (5H, m); 7.45-7.55 (2H, m); 7.58-7.62 (2H, m); 10.16 (1H, br s). 23

 1 476 1H NMR d (d6-DMSO): 5.25 (4H, s); 5.75 (2H, s); 6.22 (1H, d); 6.90 (1H, s); 7.25-7.41 (4H,m); 7.50-7.60 (2H, m); 7.70-7.80 (4H, m); 7.90 (2H, d); 10.19(1H, br s). 24

15 536/ 538 1H NMR d (d6-DMSO): 3.25 (3H, s); 5.20 (4H, s); 6.9 (1H, t); 7.25 (2H, d); 7.35-7.40 (4H,m); 7.4-7.55 (2H, m); 7.58-7.63 (2H, m); 7.68-7.72 (1H, m); 7.75-7.80 (2H, d); 10.14 (1H, br s); 10.36 (1H, br s). 25

16 479 477 1H NMR d (d6-DMSO): 5.19 (4H, s); 6.88 (1H, s); 7.26-7.48 (12H, m); 8.40 (1H, d); 8.46 (1H, dd); 9.04 (1H, s); 11.13 (1H, br s). 26

17 495 493 1H NMR d (d6-DMSO): 5.19 (4H, s); 6.87 (1H, s); 7.28-7.46 (12H, m); 8.21 (1H, dd); 8.38 (1H, d); 8.79 (1H, s); 11.14 (1H, br s). 27

18 498 1H NMR d (d6-DMSO): 5.18 (4H, s); 6.88 (1H, s); 7.30-7.50 (12H, m); 8.17 (2H, s); 8.79 (1H, s); 10.79 (1H, s); 10.93 (1H, br s). 28

 1 460 ¹H NMR δ (d₆-DMSO): 2.32 (s, 3H), 2.36 (s, 3H), 3.23 (t, 2H), 4.22 (t, 2H), 5.13 (s, 2H), 6.78 (m, 1H), 7.11-7.24 (brm, 5H), 7.30 (m, 1H), 7.41 (d, 1H), 7.83 (m, 1H), 8.14 (d, 1H), 8.37 (m, 1H), 8.82 (s, 1H), 10.74 (brs, 1H) 29

 7 475 ¹H NMR δ (d₆-DMSO): 2.32 (s, 3H), 2.36 (s, 3H), 3.22 (t, 2H), 4.20 (t, 2H), 5.11 (s, 4H), 6.72 (m, 1H, 7.00 (m, 1H), 7.15-7.28 (brm, 5H), 7.41 (d, 1H), 7.73 (m, 2H), 8.82 (s, 1H), 10.29 (brs, 1H). 30

 1 ¹H NMR δ (d₆-DMSO): 2.66 (s, 3H), 5.15 (s, 4H), 6.88 (m, 1H), 7.14 (m, 1H), 7.39-7.47 (brm, 7H), 7.52 (s, 1H), 7.83 (m, 1H), 8.15 (d, 1H), 8.38 (m, 1H), 10.72 (brs, 1H). 31

 1b 395 32

  ¹H NMR δ (d₆-DMSO): 1.28 (d, 6H), 2.39 (s, 3H), 4.72 (m, 1H), 5.20 (s, 2H), 6.33 (s, 1H), 6.72 (s, 1H), 7.14 (m, 1H), 7.20 (s, 1H), 7.27 (s, 1H), 7.82 (m, 1H), 8.13 (d, 1H), 8.36 (d, 1H), 10.72 (brs, 1H). 33

 1 ¹H NMR δ (d₆-DMSO): 1.27(d, 6H), 4.71 (m, 1H), 5.21 (s, 2H), 6.73 (t, 1H), 7.12-7.29 (brm, 5H), 7.22 (m, 1H), 7.56 (m, 1H), 7.83 (m, 1H), 8.14 (d, 1H), 8.35 (m, 1H), 10.72 (brs, 1H). 34

 1b 311 35

 1b 451 36

 1b 398 37

 1 374 372 ¹H NMR δ (d₆-DMSO): 0.98(d, 6H), 1.27 (d, 6H), 2.01 (m, 1H), 3.60 (d, 2H), 4.71 (m, 1H), 6.67 (ap t, 1H), 7.17 (ap d, 2H), 8.39 (d, 1H), 8.63 (dd, 1H), 9.20 (d, 1H), 11.43 (bs, 1H) 38

 7b 344 ¹H NMR δ (d₆-DMSO): 0.97 (d, 6H), 1.26 (d, 6H), 2.00 (m, 1H), 3.78 (d, 2H), 4.69 (m, 1H), 5.12 (s, 2H), 6.58 (t, 1H), 6.99 (dd, 1H), 7.1 (ap d, 2H), 7.73-7.78 (m, 2H), 10.24 (bs, 1H) 39

15 386 ¹H NMR δ (d₆-DMSO): 0.98 (d. 6H), 1.26 (d, 6H), 2.01 (m, 1H), 2.05 (s, 3H), 3.79 (d, 2H), 4.70 (m, 1H), 6.61 (ap t, 1H), 7.14 (ap d, 2H), 7.95 (dd, 1H), 8.08 (d, 1H), 7.59 (ap d, 1H), 10.07 (bs, 1H) 40

15 422 420 ¹H NMR δ (d₆-DMSO): 0.97 (d, 6H), 1.26 (d, 6H), 2.03 (m, 1H), 3.01 (s, 3H), 3.79 (d, 2H), 4.70 (m, 1H), 6.63 (ap t, 1H), 7.14 (ap d, 2H), 7.70 (dd, 1H), 8.12 (d, 1H), 8.34 (ap d, 1H), (9.83, s, 1H), 10.81 (bs, 1H) 41

 9 M + H 430 M − H 428 ¹H NMR δ (d₆-DMSO): 0.98 (d, 6H), 1.27 (d, 6H), 1.35 (s, 6H), 2.01 (m, 1H), 3.79 (d, 2H), 4.70 (m, 1H), 5.71 (s, 1H), 6.61 (s, 1H), 7.15 (s, 2H), 8.06-8.15 (m, 2H), 8.76 (ap d, 1H), 9.78 (s, 1H), 10.65 (bs, 1H) 42

15 412 (M +HCO OH⁾⁺456 ¹H NMR δ (d₆-DMSO): 0.79-0.82 (m, 4H), 0.98 (d, 6H), 1.26 (d, 6H), 1.77 (m, 1H), 2.01 (m, 1H), 4.70 (h, 1H), 6.11 (ap t, 1H), 7.14 (ap d, 2H), 7.95 (dd, 1H), 8.08 (d, 1H), 8.62 (ap d, 1H), 10.33 (bs, 1H), 10.64 (bs, 1H) 43

27 M + H 450 M − H 448 ¹H NMR δ (d₆-DMSO): 0.98 (d, 6H), 1.27 (d, 6H), 2.01 (m, 1H), 3.37 (s, 3H), 3.80 (d, 2H), 4.71 (m, 1H), 6.65 (ap t, 1H), 7.17 (s, 2H), 8.27-8.35 (m, 2H), 8.91 (m, 1H), 11.13 (bs, 1H) 44

 1c 352 δ_(H) (300 MHz, DMSO-d₆) 0.94-1.02 (6H,d); 1.24-1.34 (6H,d); 1095-2.10 (1H,m); 3.76-3.84 (2H,d); 4.64-4.77 (1H,m); 6.64-6.70 (1H,m); 7.14-7.17 (2H,m); 8.25-8.36 (2H,m); 8.85 (1H,m); 11.21 (1H,s) 45

 8 (a)  7c δ_(H) (300 MHz, DMSO-d₆) 0.94-1.03 (6H,d); 1.26-1.30 (6H,d); 1.95-2.08 (1H,m); 2.90 (3H,s); 3.75-3.84 (2H,d); 4.04-4.26 (2H,d + H₂O); 4.65-4.77(1H,m); 6.64 (1H,m); 7.15 (2H,m); 7.50-7.62 (1H,broad t); 7.80-7.90 (1H,d of m); 8.08-8.16 (1H,app d); 8.35 (1H, m); #10.84 (1H,m) 46

 8 (a)  7c δ_(H) (300 MHz, DMSO-d₆) 0.94-1.02 (6H, d); 1.24-1.30 (6H.d); 1.84 (3H,s); 1.95-2.07 (1H,m); 3.75-3.83 (2H,d), 4.18-4.27 (2H,d); 4.64-4.76 (1H,m); 6.62 (1H,m); 7.15 (2H,m); 7.63-7.73(1H, app d of m);8.05-8.13 (1H,app d); 8.27 (1H,s); 8.30-8.38(1H, app broad t); 10.69(1H, s) 46a

 1a 408 406 δ_(H) (300 MHz,DMSO-d₆) 1.26 (d, 6H), 3.05 (t, 2H), 4.25 (t, 2H), 4.72 (sept, 1H), 6.68 (s, 1H), 7.12 (d, 1H), 7.16 (s, 1H), 7.19 (s, 1H), 7.33 (s, 1H), 7.47 (dd, 1H), 8.30 (m, 2H), 8.83 (s, 1H), 11.23 (bs, 1H) 47

27 504 δ_(H) (300 MHz, DMSO-d₆) 1.27 (d, 6H), 3.06 (t, 2H), 3.38 (s, 3H), 4.25 (t, 2H), 4.71 (sept, 1H), 6.68 (t, 1H), 7.11 (dd, 1H), 7.12 (s, 1H), 7.17 (s, 1H), 7.31 (d, 1H), 7.46 (dd, 1H), 8.29 (d, 1H), 8.34 (dd, 1H), 8.92 (d, 1H), 11.14 (bs, 1H) 48

27 584 582 δ_(H) (300 MHz, DMSO-d₆) 1.25 (d, 6H), 3.04 (t, 2H), 4.23 (t, 2H), 4.69 (sept, 1H), 6.67 (s, 1H), 7.11 (d, 1H), 7.15 (s, 1H), 7.20 (s, 1H), 7.31 (d, 1H), 7.46 (m, 3H), 8.07 (dd, 2H), 8.26 (s, 2H), 8.86 (s, 1H), 11.13 (bs, 1H) 49

27 556 δ_(H) (300 MHz, DMSO-d₆) 1.27 (d, 6H), 3.04 (t, 2H), 4.23 (t, 2H, 4.71 (sept, 1H), 6.64 (s, 1H), 7.11 (d, 1H), 7.18 (s, 1H), 7.22 (s, 1H), 7.32 (s, 1H), 7.46 (dd, 1H), 8.19 (m, 2H), 8.82 (d, 1H), 10.93 (bs, 1H) 50

27 567 δ_(H) (300 MHz, DMSO-d₆) 1.26 (d, 6H), 3.04 (t, 2H), 4.24 (t, 2H), 4.70 (sept, 1H), 6.64 (t, 1H), 7.11 (dd, 1H), 7.16 (s, 1H), 7.21 (s, 1H), 7.30 (m, 1H), 7.46 (m, 1H), 8.16 (m, 3H), 8.62 (d, 1H), 8.83 (s, 1H), 8.98 (s, 1H), 10.90 (bs, 1H) 51

27 585 583 δ_(H) (300 MHz, DMSO-d₆) 1.27 (d, 6H), 2.39 (s, 3H), 2.68 (s, 3H), 3.06 (t, 2H), 4.26 (t, 2H), 4.73 (sept, 1H), 6.69 (t, 1H), 7.12 (d, 1H), 7.17 (s, 1H), 7.22 (s, 1H), 7.33 (m, 1H), 7.49 (m, 1H), 8.28 (m, 2H), 8.89 (s, 1H), 11.10 (bs, 1H) 52

27 618/ 620 (1 × Cl) 616/ 618 (1 × Cl) δ_(H) (300 MHz, DMSO-d₆) 1.28 (d, 6H), 2.40 (s, 3H), 3.08 (t, 2H), 3.79 (s, 3H), 4.25 (t, 2H), 4.71 (sept, 1H), 6.68 (s, 1H), 7.12 (d, 1H), 7.18 (s, 1H), 7.22 (s, 1H), 7.34 (m, 1H), 7.39 (s, 1H), 7.48 (dd, 1H), 8.30 (m, 2H), 8.92 (s, 1H), #11.15 (bs, 1H) 53

27 584 δ_(H) (300 MHz, DMSO-d₆) 1.26 (d, 6H), 3.04 (t, 2H), 4.24 (t, 2H), 4.70 (sept, 1H), 6.66 (t, 1H), 7.12 (dd, 1H), 7.18 (s, 1H), 7.22 (s, 1H), 7.30 (m, 1H), 7.37 (m, 1H), 7.45 (dd, 1H), 7.67 (m, 1H), 7.78 (dt, 1H), 7.96 (dt, 1H), 8.822 (s, 2H), 8.86 (s, 1H), 11.08 (bs, 1H) 54

27 606 604 δ_(H) (300 MHz, DMSO-d₆) 1.26 (d, 6H), 3.04 (t, 2H), 4.25 (t, 2H), 4.71 (sept, 1H), 6.64 (t, 1H), 7.00 (d, 1H), 7.12 (dd, 1H), 7.16 (s, 1H), 7.22 (s, 1H), 7.32 (m, 2H), 7.46 (dd, 1H), 8.14 (d, 1H), 8.22 (dd, 1H), 8.83 (t, 1H), 10.87 (bs, 1H) 55

16 451 449 δ_(H) (300 MHz, DMSO-d₆) 1.28 (d, 6H), 3.06 (t, 2H), 4.26 (t, 2H), 4.72 (sept, 1H), 6.65 (s, 1H), 7.12 (d, 1H), 7.18 (s, 1H), 7.23 (s, 1H), 7.32 (s, 1H), 7.47 (m, 1H), 8.23 (d, 1H), 8.32 (dd, 1H), 8.95 (s, 1H), 10,81 (bs, 1H) 56

 1a 329.48 327.46 57

 1a 354.46 352.43 Notes: * Final products prepared by hydrolysis method 2a; requisite starting materials prepared according to generic alkylation methodology followed by coupling (Route 1). ** Final products prepared by reductive amination method 6 method; requisite starting materials prepared according to generic alkylation methodology followed by coupling (Route 1) and hydrolysis (Route 2a). *** Final products prepared by hydrolysis (Route 2a) or acid chloride coupling (Route 1); requisite starting materials prepared according to generic alkylation methodology followed by coupling (Route 1).

EXAMPLE KK

By analogous methods to those described above the following compounds, Example numbers KK₁ to KK₇, were also made. Exam- ple Structure Route (M + H)+ (M − H)− NMR 1

2b* 522 520 1H NMR d (d6- DMSO): 5.20 (4H, s); 6.95 (1H, s); 7.25 (2H, s);7.30-7.5 (4H, m); 7.5 (2H,m); 7.6 (2H, m); 7.8-8.0 (4H, s). 2

1 494 No data 3

1 556/ 558 NMR not right 4

2b 522 1H NMR d (d6-DMSO): 5.25 (4H, s); 6.95 (1H, s); 7.25 (2H, s);7.35-7.55 (7H, m); 7.6-7.7 (3H,m); 8.05 (1H, d); 8.4 (1H, s); 10.3 (1H, br s); 12.9 (1H, br s). 5

2b* 536 534 1H NMR d (d6- DMSO): 3.4 (2H, s); 5.2 (4H, s); 6.95 (1H, s); 7.2 (4H, m);7.4 (4H, m); 7.5 (2H,m); 7.6-7.7 (4H, m); 10.1 (1H, br s). 6

1 519 1H NMR d (d6- DMSO): 5.2 (4H, s); 6.95 (1H, m); 7.25 (2H, m);7.4 (5H, m); 7.5 (2H,m); 7.55-7.65 (4H, m); 7.9 (2H, m); 8.2 (1H, s); 10.3 (1H, br s). 7

1 557 V. poor spectrum *For Examples KK₁ and KK₅, the ester intermediates were prepared by route 1:

¹H NMR δ (d₆-DMSO): 3.8 (3H, s); 5.25 (4H,s); 6.95 (1H, t); 7.25 (2H,d); 7.4 (4H, m); 7.5 (2H, m); 7.6 (2H, m); 8.0 (4H, q); 10.6 (1H, br s).

¹H NMR δ (d₆-DMSO): 1.2 (3H, t); 3.6 (2H, s); 4.1 (2H, q); 5.25 (4H,s); 6.95 (1H, t); 7.2 (4H,m); 7.4 (4H, m); 7.5 (2H, m); 7.6 (2H, m); 7.7 (2H, m); 10.15 (1H, br s).

EXAMPLE LL

By analogous methods to those described above the following compounds, Example numbers LL₁ to LL₃, were also made. Example Structure Route (M + H)+ (M − H)− NMR 1

1a 360 2

1a 382 3

1a 412

EXAMPLE MM

By analogous methods to those described above the following compounds, Example numbers MM₁ to MM₂, were also made. Example Structure Route (M + )+ (M − H) NMR 1

1a 385 2

1a 371 Biological Tests:

The biological effects of the compounds of formula (I) or (IA) or (IB) may be tested in the following way:

(1) Enzymatic activity of GLK may be measured by incubating GLK, ATP and glucose. The rate of product formation may be determined by coupling the assay to a G-6-P dehydrogenase, NADP/NADPH system and measuring the increase in optical density at 340 nm (Matschinsky et al 1993).

(2) A GLK/GLKRP binding assay for measuring the binding interactions between

GLK and GLKRP. The method may be used to identify compounds which modulate GLK by modulating the interaction between GLK and GLKRP. GLKRP and GLK are incubated with an inhibitory concentration of F-6-P, optionally in the presence of test compound, and the extent of interaction between GLK and GLKRP is measured. Compounds which either displace F-6-P or in some other way reduce the GLK/GLKRP interaction will be detected by a decrease in the amount of GLK/GLKRP complex formed. Compounds which promote F-6-P binding or in some other way enhance the GLK/GLKRP interaction will be detected by an increase in the amount of GLK/GLKRP complex formed. A specific example of such a binding assay is described below

GLK/GLKRP Scintillation Proximity Assay

The compounds A to S (described in Examples A to S) and 1 to 118 (described in Examples T to Y) were found to have an activity of at least 40% activity at 10 μm when tested in the GLK/GLKRP scintillation proximity assay described below.

Recombinant human GLK and GLKRP were used to develop a “mix and measure” 96 well SPA (scintillation proximity assay) as described in WO01/20327 (the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference). GLK (Biotinylated) and GLKRP are incubated with streptavidin linked SPA beads (Amersham) in the presence of an inhibitory concentration of radiolabelled [3H]F-6-P (Amersham Custom Synthesis TRQ8689), giving a signal. Compounds which either displace the F-6-P or in some other way disrupt the GLK/GLKRP binding interaction will cause this signal to be lost.

Binding assays were performed at room temperature for 2 hours. The reaction mixtures contained 50 mM Tris-HCl (pH 7.5), 2 mM ATP, 5 mM MgCl₂, 0.5 mM DTT, recombinant biotinylated GLK (0.1 mg), recombinant GLKRP (0.1 mg), 0.05 mCi [3H] F-6-P (Amersham) to give a final volume of 100 ml. Following incubation, the extent of GLK/GLKRP complex formation was determined by addition of 0.1 mg/well avidin linked SPA beads (Amersham) and scintillation counting on a Packard TopCount NXT.

(3) A F-6-P/GLKRP binding assay for measuring the binding interaction between GLKRP and F-6-P. This method may be used to provide further information on the mechanism of action of the compounds. Compounds identified in the GLK/GLKRP binding assay may modulate the interaction of GLK and GLKRP either by displacing F-6-P or by modifying the GLK/GLKRP interaction in some other way. For example, protein-protein interactions are generally known to occur by interactions through multiple binding sites. It is thus possible that a compound which modifies the interaction between GLK and GLKRP could act by binding to one or more of several different binding sites.

The F-6-P/GLKRP binding assay identifies only those compounds which modulate the interaction of GLK and GLKRP by displacing F-6-P from its binding site on GLKRP.

GLKRP is incubated with test compound and an inhibitory concentration of F-6-P, in the absence of GLK, and the extent of interaction between F-6-P and GLKRP is measured. Compounds which displace the binding of F-6-P to GLKRP may be detected by a change in the amount of GLKRP/F-6-P complex formed. A specific example of such a binding assay is described below

F-6-P/GLKRP scintillation proximity assay Recombinant human GLKRP was used to develop a “mix and measure” 96 well scintillation proximity assay ) as described in WO01/20327 (the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference). FLAG-tagged GLKRP is incubated with protein A coated SPA beads (Amersham) and an anti-FLAG antibody in the presence of an inhibitory concentration of radiolabelled [3H]F-6-P. A signal is generated. Compounds which displace the F-6-P will cause this signal to be lost. A combination of this assay and the GLK/GLKRP binding assay will allow the observer to identify compounds which disrupt the GLK/GLKRP binding interaction by displacing F-6-P.

Binding assays were performed at room temperature for 2 hours. The reaction mixtures contained 50 mM Tris-HCl (pH 7.5), 2 mM ATP, 5 mM MgCl₂, 0.5 mM DTT, recombinant FLAG tagged GLKRP (0.1 mg), Anti-Flag M2 Antibody (0.2 mg) (IBI Kodak), 0.05 mCi [3H] F-6-P (Amersham) to give a final volume of 100 ml. Following incubation, the extent of F-6-P/GLKRP complex formation was determined by addition of 0.1 mg/well protein A linked SPA beads (Amersham) and scintillation counting on a Packard TopCount NXT.

Production of Recombinant GLK and GLKRP:

Preparation of mRNA

Human liver total mRNA was prepared by polytron homogenisation in 4M guanidine isothiocyanate, 2.5 mM citrate, 0.5% Sarkosyl, 100 mM b-mercaptoethanol, followed by centrifugation through 5.7 M CsCl, 25 mM sodium acetate at 135,000 g (max) as described in Sambrook J, Fritsch EF & Maniatis T, 1989.

Poly A⁺ mRNA was prepared directly using a FastTrack™ mRNA isolation kit (Invitrogen).

PCR Amplification of GLK and GLKRP cDNA Sequences

Human GLK and GLKRP cDNA was obtained by PCR from human hepatic mRNA using established techniques described in Sambrook, Fritsch & Maniatis, 1989. PCR primers were designed according to the GLK and GLKRP cDNA sequences shown in Tanizawa et al 1991 and Bonthron, D. T. et al 1994 (later corrected in Warner, J. P. 1995).

Cloning in Bluescript II Vectors

GLK and GLKRP cDNA was cloned in E. coli using pBluescript II, (Short et al 1998) a recombinant cloning vector system similar to that employed by Yanisch-Perron C et al (1985), comprising a colEI-based replicon bearing a polylinker DNA fragment containing multiple unique restriction sites, flanked by bacteriophage T3 and T7 promoter sequences; a filamentous phage origin of replication and an ampicillin drug resistance marker gene.

Transformations

E. Coli transformations were generally carried out by electroporation. 400 ml cultures of strains DH5a or BL21 (DE3) were grown in L-broth to an OD 600 of 0.5 and harvested by centrifugation at 2,000 g. The cells were washed twice in ice-cold deionised water, resuspended in 1 ml 10% glycerol and stored in aliquots at −70° C. Ligation mixes were desalted using Millipore V series™ membranes (0.0025 mm) pore size). 40 ml of cells were incubated with 1 ml of ligation mix or plasmid DNA on ice for 10 minutes in 0.2 cm electroporation cuvettes, and then pulsed using a Gene Pulser™ apparatus (BioRad) at 0.5 kVcm⁻¹, 250 mF, 250 ?. Transformants were selected on L-agar supplemented with tetracyline at 10 mg/ml or ampicillin at 100 mg/ml.

Expression

GLK was expressed from the vector pTB375NBSE in E.coli BL21 cells, producing a recombinant protein containing a 6-His tag immediately adjacent to the N-terminal methionine. Alternatively, another suitable vector is pET21(+)DNA, Novagen, Cat number 697703. The 6-His tag was used to allow purification of the recombinant protein on a column packed with nickel-nitrilotriacetic acid agarose purchased from Qiagen (cat no 30250).

GLKRP was expressed from the vector pFLAG CTC (IBI Kodak) in E.coli BL21 cells, producing a recombinant protein containing a C-terminal FLAG tag. The protein was purified initially by DEAE Sepharose ion exchange followed by utilisation of the FLAG tag for final purification on an M2 anti-FLAG immunoaffinity column purchased from Sigma-Aldrich (cat no. A1205).

Biotinylation of GLK:

GLK was biotinylated by reaction with biotinamidocaproate N-hydroxysuccinimide ester (biotin-NHS) purchased from Sigma-Aldrich (cat no. B2643). Briefly, free amino groups of the target protein (GLK) are reacted with biotin-NHS at a defined molar ratio forming stable amide bonds resulting in a product containing covalently bound biotin. Excess, non-conjugated biotin-NHS is removed from the product by dialysis. Specifically, 7.5 mg of GLK was added to 0.31 mg of biotin-NHS in 4 mL of 25 mM HEPES pH7.3, 0.1 SM KCl, 1 mM dithiothreitol, 1 mM EDTA, 1 mM MgCl₂ (buffer A). This reaction mixture was dialysed against 100 mL of buffer A containing a further 22 mg of biotin-NHS. After 4 hours excess biotin-NHS was removed by extensive dialysis against buffer A.

Pharmaceutical Compositions

The following illustrate representative pharmaceutical dosage forms of the invention as defined herein (the active ingredient being termed “Compound X”), for therapeutic or prophylactic use in humans: (a) Tablet I mg/tablet Compound X 100 Lactose Ph. Eur 182.75 Croscarmellose sodium 12.0 Maize starch paste (5% w/v paste) 2.25 Magnesium stearate 3.0 (b) Tablet II mg/tablet Compound X 50 Lactose Ph. Eur 223.75 Croscarmellose sodium 6.0 Maize starch 15.0 Polyvinylpyrrolidone (5% w/v paste) 2.25 Magnesium stearate 3.0 (c) Tablet III mg/tablet Compound X 1.0 Lactose Ph. Eur 93.25 Croscarmellose sodium 4.0 Maize starch paste (5% w/v paste) 0.75 Magnesium stearate 1.0 (d) Capsule mg/capsule Compound X 10 Lactose Ph. Eur 488.5 Magnesium 1.5 (e) Injection I (50 mg/ml) Compound X 5.0% w/v 1 M Sodium hydroxide solution 15.0% v/v 0.1 M Hydrochloric acid (to adjust pH to 7.6) Polyethylene glycol 400 4.5% w/v Water for injection to 100% (f) Injection II (10 mg/ml) Compound X 1.0% w/v Sodium phosphate BP 3.6% w/v 0.1 M Sodium hydroxide solution 15.0% v/v Water for injection to 100% (1 mg/ml, (g) Injection III buffered to pH6) Compound X 0.1% w/v Sodium phosphate BP 2.26% w/v Citric acid 0.38% w/v Polyethylene glycol 400 3.5% w/v Water for injection to 100% (h) Aerosol I mg/ml Compound X 10.0 Sorbitan trioleate 13.5 Trichlorofluoromethane 910.0 Dichlorodifluoromethane 490.0 (i) Aerosol II mg/ml Compound X 0.2 Sorbitan trioleate 0.27 Trichlorofluoromethane 70.0 Dichlorodifluoromethane 280.0 Dichlorotetrafluoroethane 1094.0 (j) Aerosol III mg/ml Compound X 2.5 Sorbitan trioleate 3.38 Trichlorofluoromethane 67.5 Dichlorodifluoromethane 1086.0 Dichlorotetrafluoroethane 191.6 (k) Aerosol IV mg/ml Compound X 2.5 Soya lecithin 2.7 Trichlorofluoromethane 67.5 Dichlorodifluoromethane 1086.0 Dichlorotetrafluoroethane 191.6 (l) Ointment ml Compound X 40 mg Ethanol 300 μl Water 300 μl 1-Dodecylazacycloheptan-2-one 50 μl Propylene glycol to 1 ml Note

The above formulations may be obtained by conventional procedures well known in the pharmaceutical art. The tablets (a)-(c) may be enteric coated by conventional means, for example to provide a coating of cellulose acetate phthalate. The aerosol formulations (h)-(k) may be used in conjunction with standard, metered dose aerosol dispensers, and the suspending agents sorbitan trioleate and soya lecithin may be replaced by an alternative suspending agent such as sorbitan monooleate, sorbitan sesquioleate, polysorbate 80, polyglycerol oleate or oleic acid.

References

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1. A method for the treatment or prevention of a disease or medical condition mediated through GLK, comprising administering a compound of Formula (I) or a salt, solvate, or prodrug thereof,

wherein m is 0, 1, or 2; n is 0, 1, 2, 3, or 4; and n+m>0; each R¹ is independently selected from OH, —(CH₂)₁₋₄OH, —CH_(3-a)F_(a), —(CH₂)₁₋₄CH_(3-a)F_(a), —OCH_(3-a)F_(a), halo, C₁₋₆alkyl, C₂₋₆alkenyl, C₂₋₆alkynyl, NH₂, —NH—C₁₋₄alkyl, —N-di-(C₁₋₄alkyl), CN, formyl, phenyl, or heterocyclyl optionally substituted with C₁₋₆alkyl; each R² is the group Y—X—; R³ is selected from phenyl or a heterocyclyl, and R³ is optionally substituted with one or more R⁷ groups; each R⁴ is independently selected from halo, —CN_(3-a)F_(a), CN, NH₂, C₁₋₆alkyl, —OC₁₋₆alkyl, —COOH, —C(O)OC₁₋₆alkyl, OH, or phenyl optionally substituted with C₁₋₆alkyl or —C(O)OC1-6alkyl, or R⁵—X¹—; R⁵ is selected from hydrogen, C₁₋₆alkyl, —CH_(3-a), phenyl, naphthyl, heterocyclyl or C₃₋₇cycloalkyl; and R⁵ is optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from: halo, C₁₋₆alkyl, —OC₁₋₆alkyl, —CH_(3-a)F_(a), CN, OH, NH₂, COOH, or —C(O)OC₁₋₆alkyl; R⁶ is independently selected from hydrogen, C₁₋₆alkyl, or —C₂₋₄alkyl-O—C₁₋₄alkyl; R^(6a) is independently selected from hydrogen, halo, C₁₋₆alkyl, or —C₂₋₄alkyl-O—C₁₋₄alkyl; each R⁷ is independently selected from C₁₋₆alkyl, C₂₋₆alkenyl, C₂₋₆alknyl, (CH₂)₀₋₃aryl, (CH₂)₀₋₃-heterocyclyl, (CH₂)₀₋₃C₃₋₇cycloalkyl, OH, C₁₋₆alkyl-OH, halo, C₁₋₆alkyl-halo, OC₁₋₆alkyl, (CH₂)₀₋₃S(O)₀₋₂R⁸, SH, SO₃, thioxo, NH₂, CN, (CH₂)₀₋₃NHSO₂R⁸, (CH₂)₀₋₃COOH, (CH₂)₀₋₃-O—O(CH₂)₀₋₃R⁸, (CH₂)₀₋₃C(O)(CH₂)₀₋₃R⁸, (CH₂)₀₋₃C(O)OR⁸, (CH₂)₀₋₃C(O)NH₂, (CH₂)₀₋₃C(O)NH(CH₂)₀₋₃R⁸, (CH₂)₀₋₃NH(CH₂)₀₋₃R⁸, (CH₂)₀₋₃NHC(O)(CH₂)₀₋₃R⁸; (CH₂)₀₋₃C(O)NHSO₂—R⁸, and (CH₂)₀₋₃SO₂NHC(O)—R⁸, and any alkyl chain, cycloalkyl ring, or heterocyclyl ring is optionally substituted with one or more substituents independently selected from: C₁₋₄alkyl, OH, halo, CN, NH₂, N-C₁₋₄alkylamino, N,N-di-C₁₋₄alkylamino, and OC₁₋₄alkyl; R⁸ is selected from hydrogen, C₁₋₆alkyl, aryl, heterocyclyl, C₃₋₇cycloalkyl, OH, C₁₋₆alkyl-OH, COOH, C(O)OC₁₋₆alkyl, N(R⁶)C₁₋₆alkyl, OC₁₋₆alkyl, C₀₋₆alkylOC(O)C₁₋₆alkyl, and C(OH)(C₁₋₆alkyl)C₁₋₆alkyl; and any alkyl chain or aryl, heterocyclyl or cycloalkyl ring is optionally substituted with one or more substituents independently selected from: C₁₋₄alkyl, OH, halo, CN, NH₂, —NH—C₁₋₄alkyl, —N-di-(C₁₋₄alkyl, and OC₁₋₄alkyl; each X and X¹ is independently a linker independently selected from: —O-Z-, —O-Z-O-Z-, —C(O)O-Z-, —OC(O)-Z-, —S-Z-, —SO-Z-, —SO₂-Z-, —N(R⁶)-Z-, —N(R⁶)SO₂-Z-, —SO₂N(R⁶)-Z-, —(CH₂)₁₋₄—, —CH═CH-Z-, —C≡C-Z-, —N(R⁶)CO-Z-, —CON(R⁶)-Z-, —C(O)N(R⁶)S(O)₂-Z-, —S(O)₂N(R⁶)C(O)-Z-, —C(O)-Z-, -Z-, —C(O)-Z-O-Z-, —N(R⁶)-C(O)-Z-O-Z-, —O-Z-N(R⁶)-Z-, —O—C(O)-Z-O-Z-, or a direct bond; each Y is independently selected from aryl-Z¹-, heterocyclyl-Z¹-, C₃₋₇cycloalkyl-Z¹-, C₁₋₆alkyl, C₂₋₆alkenyl, C₂₋₆alkynyl, —(CH₂)₁₋₄CH_(3-a)F_(a), or —CH(OH)CH_(3-a)F_(a), and is independently optionally substituted with up to three R⁴ groups each Z is independently a direct bond, C₂₋₆alkenylene, or a group of the formula —(CH₂)_(p)—C(R^(6a))₂—(CH₂)_(q)—; each Z¹ is independently a direct bond, C₂₋₆alkenylene, or a group of the formula —(CH₂)_(p)—C(R^(6a))₂—(CH₂)_(q)—; each a is independently 1, 2, or 3; p is an integer between 0 and 3; q is an integer between 0 and 3; and p+q<4. provided that when R³ is 2-pyridyl and X is other than -Z-, —C(O)-Z-O-Z-, —N((R⁶)—C(O)-Z-O-Z- or —O-Z-N(R⁶)-Z-, then R³ cannot be mono-substituted at the 5-position with an R⁷ group selected from COOH or C(O)OC₁₋₆alkyl.
 2. A method of claim 1, wherein a compound of Formula (I) or a salt, solvate, or prodrug thereof is administered as a pharmaceutical composition, together with a pharmaceutically-acceptable diluent or carrier
 3. A compound of Formula (Ib) or a salt, solvate, or prodrug thereof,

wherein m is 0, 1, or 2; n is 1, 2, or 3; and n+m is 2 or 3; each R¹ is independently selected from OH, —(CH₂)₁₋₄OH, —CH_(3-a)F_(a), —(CH₂)₁₋₄CH_(3-a)F_(a), —OCH_(3-a)F_(a), halo, OCH₃, C₂H₅O, CH₃C(O)O—, C₁₋₆alkyl, C₂₋₆alkenyl, C₂₋₆alkynyl, —NH—C₁₋₄alkyl, —N-di-(C₁₋₄alkyl), CN, formyl, phenyl, or heterocyclyl optionally substituted with C₁₋₆alkyl; each R² is the group Y—X— R³ is heterocyclyl, wherein the atom at the 2-position of the heterocyclyl ring relative to the amide group, to which R³ is attached, is a heteroatom, and when the atom at the 2-position of the heterocyclyl ring relative to the amide group is nitrogen it is sp hybridized, and R³ is optionally substituted with up to 2 R⁷ groups; each R⁴ is independently selected from halo, —CH_(3-a)F_(a), CN, NH₂, C₁₋₄alkyl, —OC₁₋₆alkyl, —COOH, —C(O)OC₁₋₆alkyl, OH, phenyl optionally substituted with C₁₋₆alkyl or —C(O)OC₁₋₆alkyl, or R⁵—X¹—; R⁵ is selected from hydrogen, C₁₋₆alkyl, —CH_(3-a)F_(a), phenyl, naphthyl, heterocyclyl, or C₃₋₇cycloalkyl; and R⁵ is optionally substituted with one or more substituents independently selected from: halo, C₁₋₆alkyl, —OC₁₋₆alkyl, —CH_(3-a)F_(a), CN, OH, NH₂, COOH, or —C(O)OC₁₋₆alkyl; R⁶ is independently selected from hydrogen. C₁₋₆alkyl, or —C₂₋₄alkyl-O—C₁₋₄alkyl; R^(6a) is independently selected from hydrogen, halo, C₁₋₆alkyl or —C₂₋₄alkyl-O—C₁₋₄alkyl; each R⁷ is independently selected from C₁₋₆alkyl, C₂₋₆alkenyl, C₂₋₆-alkynyl, (CH₂)₀₋₃aryl, (CH₂)₀₋₃heterocyclyl, (CH₂)₀₋₃C₃₋₇cycloalkyl, OH, C₁₋₆alkyl-OH, halo, C₁₋₆alkyl-halo, OC₁₋₆alkyl, (CH₂)₀₋₃S(O)₀₋₂R⁸, SH, SO₃, thioxo, NH₂, CN, (CH₂)₀₋₃NHSO₂R⁸, (CH₂)₀₋₃COOH, (CH₂)₀₋₃—O—(CH₂)₀₋₃R⁸, (CH₂)₀₋₃C(O)(CH₂)₀₋₃R⁸, (CH₂)₀₋₃C(O)OR⁸, (CH₂)₀₋₃C(O)NH₂, (CH₂)₀₋₃C(O)NH(CH₂)₀₋₃R⁸, (CH₂)₀₋₃NH(CH₂)₀₋₃R⁸, (CH₂)₀₋₃NHC(O)(CH₂)₀₋₃R⁸; (CH₂)₀₋₃C(O)NHSO₂—R⁸, and (CH₂)₀₋₃SO₂NHC(O)—R⁸. and any alkyl chain, cycloalkyl ring, or heterocyclyl is optionally substituted with one or more substituents independently selected from: C₁₋₄alkyl, OH, halo, CN, NH₂, N—C₁₋₄alkylamino, N,N-di-C₁₋₄-alkylamino, and OC₁₋₄alkyl; R⁸ is selected from hydrogen. C₁₋₆alkyl, aryl, heterocyclyl, C₃₋₇cycloalkyl, OH, C₁₋₆alkyl-OH, COOH, C(O)OC₁₋₆alkyl, N(R⁶)C₁₋₆alkyl, OC₁₋₆alkyl, C₀₋₆alkylOC(O)C₁₋₆alkyl, C(OH)(C₁₋₆alkyl)C₁₋₆alkyl and any alkyl chain or aryl, heterocyclyl or cycloalkyl ring is optionally substituted with one or more substituents independently selected from: C₁₋₄alkyl, OH, halo, CN, NH₂, —NH—C₁₋₄alkyl, —N-di-(C₁₋₄alkyl), and OC₁₋₄alkyl: each X and X¹ is independently a linker selected from —O-Z-, —O-Z-O-Z-, —C(O)O-Z-, —OC(O)-Z-, —S-Z-, —SO-Z-, —SO₂-Z-, —N(R⁶)-Z-, —N(R⁶)SO₂-Z-, —SO₂N(R⁶)-Z-, —CH═CH-Z-, —C—C-Z-, —N(R⁶)CO-Z-, —CON(R⁶)-Z-, —C(O)N(R⁶)S(O)₂-Z-, —S(O)₂N(R⁶)C(O)-Z-, —C(O)-Z-, -Z-, —C(O)-Z-O-Z-, —N(R⁶)—C(O)-Z-O-Z-, —O-Z-N(R⁶)-Z-, —O—C(O)-Z-O-Z-, or a direct bond except when Z is C, alkyl each Y is independently selected from aryl-Z¹-, heterocyclyl-Z¹-, C₃₋₇cycloalkyl-Z¹-, C₁₋₆alkyl, C₂₋₆alkenyl, C₂₋₆alkynyl, —(CH₂)₁₋₄CH_(3-a)F_(a), or —CH(OH)CH_(3-a)F_(a), and is independently optionally substituted with up to three R⁴ groups; with the proviso that Y—X— cannot be CH₃O, C₂H₅O or CH₃C(O)O—; each Z is independently a direct bond, C₂₋₆alkenylene or a group of the formula —(CH₂)_(p)—C(R^(6a))₂—(CH₂)_(q)—; each Z¹ is independently a direct bond, C₂₋₆alkenylene or a group of the formula —(CH₂)_(p)—C(R^(6a))₂—(CH₂)_(q)—; each a is independently 1, 2, or 3; p is an integer between 0 and 3; q is an integer between 0 and 3; and and p+q<4 provided that (i) when R³ is 2-pyridyl and X is other than -Z-, —C(O)-Z-O-Z-, —N((R⁶)—C(O)-Z-O-Z-, or —O-Z-N(R⁶)-Z-, then R³ cannot be mono-substituted at the 5-position with an R⁷ group selected from COOH or C(O)OC₁₋₆alkyl; (ii) positions 3 and 5 on the phenyl ring (to which R¹ and R² are attached) relative to the amide bond are substituted, wherein at least one of the substituents is an R² group; (iii) an unbranched, unsubstituted C₁₋₆alkyl chain cannot exceed C₆alkyl in length; (iv) when n is 2 or 3, then only one X group can be —NHC(O)—; (v) when R³ is pyridyl and R⁷ is halo or methyl, then the phenyl ring to which R² is attached cannot be substituted with an R² group at the 2-position relative to the amide bond, wherein X is —C(O)NH— and Y is optionally substituted phenyl, optionally substituted thienyl, or optionally substituted pyridyl; (vi) when n+m is 2, m is 0 or m is 1, and R¹ is OH, n is 1 and X is —NHC(O)— or n is 2 and X is independently selected from —C(O)NH—, —NHC(O)—, —O—, —S(O₂)NH—, or a direct bond, wherein one X group is —NHC(O)—, Y is selected from phenyl, cyclohexyl, 4,5-dihydro-5-oxo-pyrazolyl, thienyl, 1,3-dihydro-1,3-dioxo-isoindolinyl, 2-oxo-1-benzopyran, or pyridyl, and Y is optionally substituted with R⁴, then R³ cannot be unsubstituted thiazole, 4,5-dihydro-5-oxo-pyrazolyl substituted with trichlorophenyl, 4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-benzo[b]thiophene substituted with ethoxycarbonyl, or pyridyl optionally independently mono or di-substituted with methyl, ethoxy, or propylcarbonylamino; and (vii) when n+m is 3, m is 0 or 2, R¹ is independently selected from methyl, methoxy, or hydroxy, n is 1, 2, or 3, X is independently selected from —O—, —S(O₂)NH—, —C(O)—, —S(O₂)—, —CH₂—, or a direct bond, Y is selected from pyrrolidinyl, morpholino, phenyl, tetrazolyl, or propyl, wherein Y is optionally substituted with R⁴, and R⁴ is selected from di-hydroxy, methoxy, C₁₋₄alkyl, then R³ cannot be unsubstituted tetrazolyl, unsubstituted thiazolyl, or thiazolyl substituted with ethoxycarbonylmethyl.
 4. A compound according to claim 3, or salt, solvate, or prodrug thereof, wherein each R¹ is independently selected from OH, formyl, CH_(3-a)F_(a), OCH_(3-a)F_(a), halo, C₁₋₆alkyl, NH₂, CN, (CH₂)₁₋₄OH, or a heterocyclyl optionally substituted with C₁₋₆alkyl.
 5. A compound according to claim 3, or salt, solvate, or prodrug thereof, wherein each R² is the group Y—X—, each X is independently selected from -Z-, —CH═CH-Z-, —O-Z-, —C(O)-Z-, —C(O)O-Z-, —OC(O)-Z-, ,—C(O)-Z-O-Z-, —O—C(O)-Z-O-Z-, —S-Z-, —SO-Z-, —SO₂-Z-, —N(R⁶)-Z-, —N(R⁶)CO-Z-, —CON(R⁶)-Z-, —N(R⁶)—C(O)-Z-O-Z-, —SO₂N(R⁶)-Z-, —N(R⁶)SO₂-Z- or —O-Z-N(R⁶)-Z-, each Y is independently selected from C₁₋₆alkyl, C₂₋₆alkenyl, aryl-Z¹-, heterocyclyl-Z¹-, C₃₋₇cycloalkyl(CH₂)₀₋₂, —(CH₂)₁₋₄CH_(3-a)F_(a), and each Y is independently optionally subs with R⁴.
 6. A compound according to claim 3, or salt, solvate, or prodrug thereof, wherein each R⁴ is independently selected from halo, CH_(3-a)F_(a), OCH_(3-a)F_(a), CN, C₁₋₆alkyl, OC₁₋₆alkyl, COOH, C(O)OC₁₋₆alkyl, (CH₂)₀₋₃COOH, O(CH₂)₀₋₃COOH, CO-phenyl, CONH₂, CONH-phenyl, SO₂NH₂, SO₂C₁₋₆alkyl, OH, or phenyl optionally substituted with one or more R⁵ groups wherein R⁵ is selected from hydrogen, C₁₋₆alkyl, or C(O)OC₁₋₆alkyl.
 7. A compound according to claim 3, or salt, solvate, or prodrug thereof, wherein R³ is a nitrogen-containing heterocyclyl, optionally substituted with one or more R⁷ groups.
 8. A compound according to claim 7, or a salt, solvate, or prodrug thereof, wherein R³ is selected from thiazole, benzothiazole, thiadiazole, pyridine, pyrazine, pyridazine, pyrazole, imidazole, pyrimidine, oxazole, and indole.
 9. A compound according to claim 3, or salt, solvate, or prodrug thereof, wherein R³ is unsubstituted or is substituted with one R⁷ group.
 10. A compound according to claim 3, or salt, solvate, or prodrug thereof, wherein each R⁷ is independently selected from OH, CN, NH₂, SO₃, thioxo, halo, C₁₋₄alkyl, C₁₋₄alkyl-OH, O—C₁₋₄alkyl, C₁₋₄alkyl-halo, (CH₂)₀₋₁COOH, (CH₂)₀₋₁C(O)OR⁸, (CH₂)₀₋₁NH(CH₂)₀₋₂R⁸, (CH₂)₀₋₁NHC(O)(CH₂)₀₋₂R⁸, (CH₂)₀₋₁C(O)NH(CH₂)₀₋₂R⁸, —(CH₂)₀₋₂S(O)₀₋₂R⁸, —(CH₂)₀₋₁N(R⁶)SO₂R⁸, (CH₂)₀₋₁C(O)N(R⁶)S(O)₂R⁸, or (CH₂)₀₋₁heterocyclyl.
 11. A compound according to claim 3, or salt, solvate or prodrug thereof, wherein Y is phenyl-Z¹- optionally substituted by halo or C₁₋₆alkyl.
 12. A compound according to claim 3, or salt, solvate or prodrug thereof, wherein each R² is the group Y—X—, Z within the definition of X is a direct bond and Z¹ within the definition of Y is a group of the formula —(CH₂)_(p)—C(R^(6a))₂—(CH₂)_(q)—.
 13. A pharmaceutical composition comprising a pharmaceutically acceptable diluent or carrier and a compound according to claim 3, or a salt, solvate, or prodrug thereof.
 14. A method for the treatment or prevention of diabetes and obesity comprising administering a compound of claim 1, or a salt, solvate or prodrug thereof.
 15. A process for the preparation of a compound of claim 1 or salt, solvate, or prodruf thereof, which comprises: (a) reaction of a compound of Formula (IIIa) with a compound of Formula (IIIb),

wherein X¹ is a leaving group (b) for compounds of Formula (I) wherein R³ is hydrogen, deprotection of a compound of Formula (IIIc),

wherein P¹ is a protecting group; (c) for compounds of Formula (I) wherein n is 1, 2, 3, or 4, reaction of a compound of Formula (IIId) with a compound of Formula (IIIe), Y—X″  Formula (IIId)

wherein X′ and X″ comprise groups which, when reacted together, form the group X; (d) for a compound of Formula (I) wherein n is 1, 2, 3, or 4 and X or X¹ is —SO-Z- or —SO₂-Z-, oxidation of the corresponding compound of Formula (I) wherein X or X¹ respectively is —S-Z-; (e) reaction of a compound of Formula (IIIf) with a compound of Formula (IIIg),

wherein X² is a leaving group; and thereafter, if necessary: i) converting a compound of Formula (I) into another compound of Formula (I); ii) removing any protecting groups; iii) forming a salt, prodrug or solvate thereof. 